London-based designer and researcher Shamees Aden is developing a concept for running sneakers made of synthetic biological material that would have the ability to regenerate.
Protocell sneakers would be three-dimensionally sprinted to the size of the client's foot from a material that would fit like a second skin. They would have the ability to respond to pressure and movement while running. This would provide additional leg support where needed.
Aden developed the project in collaboration with Dr Martin Hanczyce, a professor at the University of Southern Denmark who specialized in technology protocells. Protocells are basic molecules that are not living but can mix to create living organisms. Scientists are thus trying to create artificial living systems into which they can program certain behavior, such as response to pressure, light and heat.
In addition to adapting to pressure, the sneaker would have the ability to recover. After running, the protocells would lose energy, so it would be necessary to "feed" the sneakers by placing them in a container with protocell liquid, which would maintain the vitality of the organisms. The liquid could also be dyed in any color, so that during the restoration of the sneaker, it would also get a color.
Project was presented at London Wearable Futures in December, Aden says it could be realized around the year 2050.
