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It is well known in biology that cells can swell and shrink based on the percentage of their water contents. We apply cells from micro organisms that are food safe to biodegradable thin silicone surface and create artificial leaves that can transform from folding to unfolding when the environmental humidity raises.
We then apply the transformable leaves to the design of living tea bags. The leave on top of the tea bag curls up at the beginning. After pouring hot waters into the teacup, the curled leaves will slowly unwrap, to indicate the tea bag is fully soaked in the water.
MIT Media Lab
CAMBRIDGE, United States
Lining Yao,
MIT Media Lab