Adaptive Biofilm-Based apparel (ABBA)

Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in “smart” clothing with advanced properties that can enhance their comfort and performance. The next-generation of “smart” textiles can be fabricated by integrating living cells into the textiles that make up our clothing. For users of fitness apparel, living cells can endow clothing t-shirts or yoga pants with the ability to respond to changes in temperature, to the presence of sweat or to excessive stretching of the fabric. Working together, Lululemon and McGill engineers, aim at pioneering this field and demonstrating that “living textiles” can grow and adapt to the user and the environment. By incorporating harmless bacteria in textiles, the researchers will create some prototypes of “smart” textiles that can release fresh scents when soaked in sweat, “self-heal” after a tear or become more breathable in hot and humid environments. This project will position Canada as a leader in the emerging field of “smart living wearables”.

Faculty Supervisor:

Noemie-Manuelle Dorval Courchesne

Student:

Partner:

Lululemon

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing; Retail trade

University:

McGill University

Program: