Two of FIT’s research teams–AlgiKnit and #GROWAPAIR–were featured on NY1’s morning and daytime shows on Friday, February 16, capturing the collaborative and advanced research taking place at FIT between students and faculty.
AlgiKnit researches biomaterials derived from kelp, a rapidly reproducing organism that is readily and abundantly available. The team creates their material using a biopolymer derived from kelp, and then transform it into bioyarn through an extrusion process. This process allows the creation of a monofilament comparable to a traditional yarn, which is then able to be knitted. Team #GROWAPAIR literally “grew” a pair of baby shoes from microbial cellulose, mycelium, and pineapple.
The NY1 story, reported by Stephanie Simon, showcases fashion innovations at FIT. Both teams came out of the Biodesign Challenge, in which FIT students have now been participating for two consecutive years, underscoring the numerous ways that FIT students are actively working to dissolve the boundaries between art and science.