Home Bioreactor: Local Food from Plant Cell Cultures
Designed as part of my master's thesis, the Home Bioreactor is a countertop appliance that allows users to cultivate plant cells at home, offering a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional food production. This concept was developed in collaboration with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.
Challenge
Traditional food production takes up large amounts of agricultural space and resources, contributing to environmental issues and seasonal limitations. The challenge was to create a home-based solution that allows individuals to sustainably grow nutritious food without the need for conventional farming.
Approach
- Research & Discovery: I explored the potential of cellular agriculture, enabling the cultivation of plant cells at home. The goal was to assess user acceptance and feasibility of integrating such technology into home kitchens.
- Design Process: Using constructive design research, I conceptualized and prototyped the Home Bioreactor, focusing on its function as both a user-friendly kitchen appliance and a sustainable solution.
- Collaboration: I worked closely with the VTT research team and involved potential users to refine the design through feedback and iterations.
Solution & Outcome
The result is a countertop bioreactor that resembles a lamp and can cultivate up to 500g of plant cells each week. Using the appliance is easy—just insert a capsule with the plant cell culture, add water, and activate the device to begin the cultivation process. The appliance allows users to grow a variety of plant species, such as Arctic bramble, cloudberry, and stone bramble, creating a steady supply of fresh, nutritious food ingredients.
The Home Bioreactor minimizes the need for conventional farming, reducing environmental impact and enabling year-round food production. This solution also allows the growth of rare plant species without harming their natural habitats.
Early-stage prototypes of a home bioreactor incorporating 3D-printed elements displayed in a laboratory setting.
The operational model actively cultivates Rubus arcticus plant cells within.
The plant cell cultures as food. Photos by Heiko Rischer