Maca Barrera
MA biodesign
Central Saint Martins UAL
Specialisms: Sustainable Design / Smart Textiles /
Location: London, United Kingdom
Maca Barrera
First Name: Maca
Last Name: Barrera
Specialisms: Sustainable Design / Smart Textiles
Sectors:
My Location: London, United Kingdom
University / College: Central Saint Martins UAL
Course / Program Title: MA biodesign
About
I am a multidisciplinary designer with a focus on biodesign, research, and innovation. I combine my passion for the ocean, material science, and textiles to address sustainable challenges related to the marine ecosystem. My latest project involves harnessing the power of microbes and wearable technology, introducing innovative solutions that shield our skin from harmful UV radiation while protecting the health of our ecosystems.
Harnessing the power of bacterial melanin to protect our bodies from harmful UV radiation. UV radiation is one of the most prominent stressors our bodies are exposed to, because of the climate crisis, causing sunburn, photoaging and cancer. As a result, photoprotection has become an increasingly studied topic, demonstrating that current sunscreens have significant negative impacts on the marine ecosystem. This project explores the potential of bacterial melanin as a naturally derived sunscreen with UV absorbance and antioxidant properties, that shield our bodies from UV radiation, as well we protect the health of our ecosystems. The concept involves a speculative membrane with encapsulated melanin, which becomes active and gradually darker when the user is exposed to UV rays. A second skin which reacts with the environment depending on the geography and UV radiation level. Bringing long-lasting and efficient protection to our bodies, but also creating awareness about sun protection and skin cancer.
Competitions
