University Calendar

Recent Advances in Biology Lecture Series - Romare Antrobus, PHD

Speaker: Romare Antrobus, PhD
Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at Fashion Institute of Technology

Title: Building Better with Biology: Biofabrication of Microbial Nanocellulose for Advanced Biomaterials in Textile and Tissue Engineering

Abstract:
A bold vision of our future is that all human-made products emulate nature's circular life cycle by demonstrating tunable, high functional performance and being fully regenerative or degradable at the end of service. Traditional manufacturing, rooted in cradle-to-grave linear production models that rely on the extraction of finite resources and chemically-intensive processes, drives global climate change, wastewater and microplastic pollution, and generates large volumes of nondegradable waste, thereby compromising both human and planetary health. Biofabrication has emerged across industries, facilitating the transition from an environmentally destructive linear economy to a circular economy. Inspired by the regenerative potential of nature, this presentation will highlight microbial biosynthesis of nanofibril cellulose for the sustainable development of non-medical and medical biomaterials. By controlling biosynthesis and integrating sustainability considerations into polymer processing strategies, I will showcase research that regulates bacterial metabolism and tailors the material properties of engineered nanocellulose to meet performance goals for textile and tissue engineering applications. Currently, this research is transitioning from lab to market with Roseau, a New York-based startup that leverages the power of microbes to engineer PFAS- and microplastic-free home-compostable packaging. Throughout the presentation I will highlight firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities of commercializing sustainable biomaterials and explore pathways for entrepreneurship in biotechnology.

Location:	Warch Campus Center 204 - Cinema
Price:	n/a
Sponsor:	Biology Department
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