Lichen species are highly adaptable to various surfaces and only need light, moisture, and air to sustain itself. This means that not only can lichen grow on living surfaces like trees, but can also grow on concrete as found on urban buildings.
Lichen uptake take fine particulates and greenhouse gases from the air through processes including photosynthesis, respiration, metabolism, and evaporation.
Since lichen reproduce sexually or asexually, it can be taken and cut into a lot of small pieces whie contining to grow and serving its purpose of filtration.
As an epiphyte, lichen grow on diverse above ground organisms with little to no added nutrients. Bark, leaves, rock, and forest floors are hosts for this mutally beneficial exchange of nutrients from the algae or cyanobacterium and protection from the fungi.
 |  |
|---|---|
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
There are over 2,000 species spread across every region from forests, to deserts, to tundras.
LESSONS FROM A LICHENOLOGIST
Our team worked with lichenologist Dr James Lendemer at the New York Botanical Garden to explore their centuries old collection of lichens and learn about the ecology of lichens.
HOW lichen WORKS within symbiotex
ingredient 3:
LICHEN
Composite organism formed from the symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi
Air quality regulator, filter of heavy toxins and air pollutants, and aesthetic emellishment
Small particles of wood produced as a by-product of sawing logs
(read about our sustainable sourcing)
Optional nutrient supply and material strengthener
Protein polymer derived from seaweed
used as a vegetarian substitute for gelatin
Binding agent and nutrient supply
Ingredient 2: Sawdust
Ingredient 1: AGAR
How its made
A natural derivative of seaweed used as a vegetarian gelatin substitute
Water and agar are boiled to form the binding agent in Symbiotex
Lichen was harvested from rocks and trees in the New York City Area
Lichens are ground to a powder by hand or with mortar and pestle
We began our trials using a homemade 3D printer to extrude agar
Using printed agar as a base for the lichens was unsuccessful due to temperature inconsistencies
Cooked agar must cool down to prevent killing the lichen
Under a microscope, we found a tiny insect crawling in the sample
After preparation, Symbiotex must settle for a period to form a bond between agar and lichen
Sawdust is a familiar substance and texture for lichen to bond with, aiding to Symbiotex's steady growth rate and strength
Unique pigmentation patterns form due to natural variations and reactions
Agar is a binding agent and nutrient supply for living lichen
Agar is spread onto a wooden board covered with wax paper or plastic wrap
Experiments & Prototypes
MATERIAL
Symbiotex removes pollution and heavy metals in our air
by utilizing lichen particles as a natural filter.
