# Bacterial Material Microbial elements are incorporated into everyday design and materials. By [Mary Van Puymbroeck](https://www.trendhunter.com/Mary.Puymbroeck), Research Advisor at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 6, 2019 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/bacterial-material ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.7/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Bacterial Material trend? **Bacterial Material:** An increasing number of artists and product designers are incorporating microbial life into the design of everyday objects. This speaks to an increase in perceived accessibility to the science of biology and a growing interest in the 'biohacking' movement. ## The consumer insight behind the Bacterial Material trend When it comes to art and design, anything is fair game in consumers' eyes. As young consumers increasingly view their personal spaces not just as areas to relax or escape, but as reflections of themselves, there is a demand for once-standard household items offering unique elements that function as conversation pieces in the home. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 21, 2017 to Mar 4, 2019 - Published: Mar 6, 2019 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Bacterial Material trend ### Incorporating Microbial Life Microbial life is being incorporated into everyday objects due to the growing interest in biotechnology and biohacking. ### Fermentation and Bacteria The use of fermentation and bacteria is leading to the creation of unique, sustainable products like plant-powered lighting and naturally fermented containers. ### Bacterial-stained Glass Design Designers are utilizing bacterial-stained glass to create unique, abstract works of art that offer a personal touch. ## What the Bacterial Material trend means for industry ### For Biotechnology The biotechnology industry can capitalize on the trend of incorporating microbial life by creating innovative products and designs that are both sustainable and eco-friendly. ### For Art and Design Art and design professionals can use the fermentation and bacterial trend to create unique conversation pieces that are both functional and beautiful. ### For Sustainability The use of sustainable materials and production methods to create naturally fermented containers and plant-powered lighting presents opportunities for companies in the sustainability industry to innovate and offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional products. ## Workshop question What role could biohacking play in your industry? ## Trend signals for Bacterial Material Trend score 5.7 out of 10, from popularity 82%, activity 81%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 82% - Activity: 81% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Bacterial Material trend 4 featured examples from Dec 21, 2017 to Mar 4, 2019. - [Plant-Powered Lighting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atmospheric-lamp): The Living Light Atmospheric Lamp Produces Energy Using Photosynthesis (Category: Eco) Implication: The lighting industry has an opportunity to create new eco-friendly lighting solutions that use photosynthesis or other natural processes to power their lights. - [Naturally Fermented Containers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/from-peel-to-peel): 'From Peel to Peel' Offers a Solution to Non-Degradable Plastics (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity for the packaging industry to adopt eco-friendly materials and processes to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions. - [Bacterial-Stained Glass Lighting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bacteria-art-lamp-light): These Bespoke Bacteria Lights were Designed by Ian Klingler (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Incorporating bacteria as a new medium for creating art installations, sculptures, and lighting fixtures. - [3D-Printed Death Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/death-masks): Neri Oxman's Latest Project Boasts Pigment-Producing Microorganisms (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize synthetic microorganisms in biotechnology to develop novel products and solutions. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)