Title: PolyBrick 3.0: live signatures through DNA hydrogels and digital ceramics

Authors: David Rosenwasser; Shogo Hamada; Dan Luo; Jenny E. Sabin

Addresses: Department of Architecture, Cornell University, 139 E. Sibley Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Sabin Design Lab, Cornell University, B30 Sibley, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA ' Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University 122 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA ' Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, 211 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA ' Department of Architecture, Cornell University, 139 E. Sibley Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Sabin Design Lab, Cornell University, B30 Sibley, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA

Abstract: This paper reflects upon new questions of material compatibility through integrating advanced processes of additive manufacturing in ceramics with cutting-edge research in DNA hydrogel development. The work engages advances in material science, three-dimensional (3D) printing, micro-scale mould making, DNA hydrogels, and material practices derived from crafts, and computational design disciplines. The paper outlines innovative use of micro scale 3D printing technologies for the digital fabrication and production of nonstandard and inscribed ceramic block components. 3D printed ceramic blocks are differentiated via the first architectural component glazed with DNA hydrogel and impregnated with a living signature. Readily available 3D Printing technology is used to produce recognisable signatures containing decodable intelligence prescribed through DNA coding. We have designed a system that allows for 3D printed parts to exist at a microscale in the form of an architectural component and glaze mould, allowing for the opportunistic deposition of DNA intelligence.

Keywords: digital ceramics; DNA hydrogels; live matter; PolyBrick; digital fabrication; SLA 3D printing; active matter; programmable matter; architectural science; matter design computation; generative architecture; bio-active materials.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAPIDM.2018.092909

International Journal of Rapid Manufacturing, 2018 Vol.7 No.2/3, pp.203 - 218

Received: 05 May 2017
Accepted: 09 Oct 2017

Published online: 02 Jul 2018 *

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