Advanced Course on Biomaterial Creation and Bio 3D Printing

Scientists and researchers have been fascinated by biomaterials for several years. Due to their unique properties at the intersection of nature and technology, they offer solutions to many future challenges—ranging from sustainable development to use in medicine and within the concept of the circular economy. Come to the course at Center Rog and get inspired by these materials of the future!

The biomaterials course is designed as a series of meetings where participants will gain basic knowledge about biomaterials, how they are obtained, their processing possibilities, and their use in creating final products.

We will explore different types of biomaterials, from gels, bioplastics, bio-waste made from mycelium and SCOBY, to biocomposites made from resin and clay or mycelium. From each material, we will create a useful product, discovering the practical value of biomaterials.

Throughout the course, mentors from the Green Lab will assist you in making prototypes, which can be materials, semi-finished, or final products. We will encourage the development of both personal projects and the beginnings of business ideas that could be interesting for the market. We hope that after the course, you will continue to develop your ideas during open sessions at the Green Lab.

In the advanced course, we will explore more complex biomaterials. In the first session, we will begin growing SCOBY (the mushroom that creates kombucha from tea), from which we will obtain bio-waste in the next session and make a wallet. Then, we will cultivate mycelium, which will need some time to grow. For this purpose, we will prepare a mold in the shape of a box with a lid and let the mycelium grow over it, turning it into a biocomposite. In the final session, we will have a special experience for the most curious, where we will introduce the latest 3D printing technology for biocomposites and how this technology can be used to make useful objects.

The program is intended for individuals and groups interested in working with biomaterials and those who want to seriously engage in this field in the future. The program is for those over 14 years old.

Duration: 5 sessions of 3 hours

• Wednesday, January 15, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Wednesday, January 29, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Wednesday, February 12, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Wednesday, February 26, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Wednesday, March 12, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Prerequisite:

NO, prior knowledge is not required.

Is the workshop considered training?

YES, by participating in the course, you will complete training for the laboratory workstation. Next time, you will be able to use this workstation independently during open sessions.

About the mentors:

The course will be led by mentors from the Green Lab.

Maruša Ramšak is a biotechnologist who researched synthetic biology at the National Institute of Chemistry. She loves nature, enjoys gardening, and is passionate about all things fermented. She is interested in how different organisms can contribute to sustainable development and solving environmental, green technology, and food security challenges.

Sašo Jakob is a biochemistry student who wants to explore the intersections of science and design in all its forms. He can help you design experiments, advise you on biochemical questions, and teach you how to work with laboratory equipment.

Rok Oblak is an independent creator working on innovating products made from natural materials and biocomposites. He is the founder of the brand Salto Dionys, collaborates in the Krater collective, and works in the Levo workshop, where he also has his studio.

Zelimkhan Suleymanov is an architecture student, technologist, and mentor at RogLab and now at Center Rog. In his workshop @khan.delavnica, he makes prototypes, models, and advertising signs. At home, he works with aquaponics, growing microgreens and mycelium.

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Participants should gather 15 minutes before the scheduled start time in the entrance hall of Center Rog. Please store your personal belongings in the lockers, which the mentor will show you. Please be on time, as late arrivals disrupt the workflow. In the case of a delay, entry to the lab cannot be guaranteed.

The program will be conducted in Slovenian unless otherwise stated.

In case of cancellation, you will be notified two days before the scheduled start.

If you are unable to attend the program, the registration fee is non-refundable, and it is not possible to change the date. You can transfer your participation to another person, but please notify us at least 24 hours before the program begins at the email address: zeleni@center-rog.si

We look forward to your company and creative collaboration.