Synthetic Animal Organs

Designed by Kuang-Yo Ku, the Tiger Penis Project utilizes synthetic biology to create organs to replace the animal products often used in traditional Chinese medicine. Created as a graduation project for Ku's Design Master's program at Design Academy Eindhoven, the project envisions a "win-win" scenario for conservationists and Chinese medicine practitioners. This could prove to be incredibly impactful for both parties as traditional Chinese medicine often includes expensive parts from endangered species.

The key to the Tiger Penis Project lies in creating bespoke animal parts that are then combined with a myriad of herbs to treat individual patients. The herbal formulas were created in conjunction with traditional Chinese medicine practitioners to ensure actual health benefits. According to Ku, the "Tiger Penis Project is a new interpretation of traditional Chinese Medicine for resolving the conflict between health, culture, and environmental conservation."