When biological parts are rationally reconstructed, with properties à la carte, we begin to extend our definitions of human matter. Biophilia proposes a probable future of acceptable tissue technology. Genetically modified silkworms could weave biodegradable scaffolds for organs, tissues, biosensors and even consumer products — from ‘hardware’ to novel ‘wetware’. What new functions would this meticulously made synthetic tissue fulfil? Could this open our understanding to artificial futures? And what ethical and emotional problems will we face with such technology?


Supported by: Alexander Kahlig, Fraunhofer IGB Stuttgart; Christopher Hirst, Bioengineering Department, Imperial College London; Dr Suwan Jayasinghe, BioPhysics Group, UCL