Sea Glass

UC Davis finalist team at the 2022 Biodesign Challenge. The solutions to two seemingly different issues are connected by a somewhat surprising candidate: microalgae. Usually seen as a nuisance, with careful application, microalgae can be harnessed to assist in the bioremediation of agricultural waste water, while providing a sustainable alternative to existing plastic eyewear in the form of biodegradable algal polyurethane. Follow along our journey and explore how our team, in partnership with UCSDs California Center for Algae Biotechnology, is working to create 100% biodegradable eyewear from remaining microalgae after wastewater treatment. Ultimately, our goal is to develop a circular system that encompasses a more sustainable alternative to current wastewater remediation methods, while utilizing the byproducts to combat the environmental price of fast fashion