BNU 2023 COHORT
The 2023 cohort of Synthetic Biology: From Bits to Atoms brought together 13 passionate students who had the unique opportunity to experience biology through an artist’s lens, blurring the boundaries between science and creativity. Their projects explored bold and imaginative ideas ranging from engineering perfumes and bio-optic energy glasses to reimagining the human experience in 2050.
Their immersive 3-day visit to Peshawar was packed with hands-on lab work, thought-provoking lectures, and a mid-crit session at the lab. The visit also included a vibrant Bio Meets Art event, where science and creativity came together, and in true Peshawari spirit, ended with a delicious ritual of sharing traditional chapli kebabs.
Capstone Exhibit
The Peelter by Ana Talat Chaudhry
Presenting the formidable ‘PeeLter’: a cost- effective and portable solution designed to excel as an exemplary recycler, actively promoting environmental well-being. Embark on a transformative journey within your immediate surroundings, fostering a sustainable habitat for the benefit of future generations. Seize the opportunity to contribute to a healthier, more breathable environment through the adoption of the PeeLter.”
Human Pheromone Perfumes by Ayan Hameed
Caramia is a sensory project that explores the deeply personal connection between scent, memory, and emotion. Designed as a human-scented perfume, Caramia goes beyond conventional fragrance — it’s a tribute to the essence of human touch and togetherness. Each bottle is customized with care, echoing the individuality of the person it’s made for.
The Human in the Year 2050 by Fatima Shehzadi Babri
This speculative project envisions how the human body might adapt to the environmental challenges of the future, specifically human lungs might evolve by 2050 in response to rising air pollution. Featuring enhanced tissue regeneration, membrane filtration, and respiratory redistribution, these future lungs are designed to heal, filter, and adapt.
Pet Plant by Fayeqa Munir
Pet Plant reimagines houseplants as interactive emotional companions. Engineered to respond to human touch and mood, these plants visually express feelings through color and shape. Designed with sleek, portable containers and a playful digital interface, Pet Plant blends biotechnology and product design to create a new kind of relationship between humans and living things, one rooted in care, response, and empathy.
THE SSR- Self-Sustaining Reforestation Robot by Haniya Asad
The SSRR is a robot-within-a-robot concept that will help our communities participate in long-term reforestation projects without any need for human intervention at any stage from seed planting to germination. It will be a two-step process: the first-step robot (FSR) will be employed in seed dispersal and the second-step robot (SSR) will ensure seed germination during optimal conditions.
Proteestos by Iqra Saeed
This project rethinks snack packaging by replacing traditional plastic wrappers with algae-based paper — a biodegradable, renewable alternative that naturally decomposes without polluting the environment. Designed to combat landfill waste and reduce eutrophication, the algae wrapper offers an eco-friendly solution that brings sustainability to your everyday snacks.
Bioslumber by Kashaf Zehra
BioSlumber is a bioengineered bedding concept designed to improve sleep using nature’s own calming agents. By infusing fabric with genetically modified microorganisms that produce soothing compounds from lavender and chamomile, BioSlumber offers a gentle, continuous release of relaxation. The result? A sleep environment that blends science, scent, and softness for truly restful nights.
Genetic Mutations by Maryam Enwar Khan
This project dives into the tangled web of genes, brain chemistry, and behavior exploring how certain genetic mutations might predispose individuals to aggression. Focusing on genes like MAOA, DRD2, and 5-HTT, it unpacks the delicate balance between nature and nurture. The project also touches on emerging research around the gut-brain axis, asking: could our microbiome influence emotions like anger? While definitive answers remain distant, the project opens an important conversation at the intersection of genetics, behavior, and ethics.
Flower of The Future by Mohrelle Hassan
Blending genetics, art, and wellness, this project reimagines the humble snake plant by engineering it with lavender and jasmine to emit mood-enhancing fragrances that follow a natural circadian rhythm. Designed to bloom with scent as light changes, it offers year-round emotional support, whether placed in hospitals, homes, or classrooms. The final installation combined scent, sound, and projection to create an immersive “living garden” of the future.
Bio-Optic Energy Glasses by Muhammad Mustafa
This speculative wearable imagines a pair of glasses powered by photosynthetic nanomaterials and engineered microorganisms. Inspired by nature’s light-harvesting systems, the lenses capture solar energy while also protecting the eyes from light-induced damage. With built-in filtering to reduce visual purple bleaching, these glasses blend bioengineering, vision science, and renewable tech into a futuristic fusion of function and sustainability.
Chi-Living by Muhammad Saad
Chitin is the substance that gives structure to many plants and organisms on the planet. In this project, we’re taking nature as our inspiration and expanding on what Mother Nature provides us. Our designs are user-centric and put sustainability at the forefront. We have developed a product we believe can revolutionize modern-day housing and the plethora of issues with it. Our housing is modular, infinitely biodegradable, recyclable, and our materials have a net zero carbon footprint.
The Synthetic Skin Revolution by Sameer Ahmad Khan
The Synthetic Skin Revolution is a breakthrough in skincare, featuring bio-engineered materials that replicate the properties of natural human skin. Designed to address common issues like acne, dryness, sun damage, and allergies, each variant offers targeted benefits such as oil regulation, hydration retention, UV protection, and hypoallergenic comfort.
Bio-Innovation in Textile: An Ethical & Sustainable Paradigm Shift in Fashion by Subista Kayastha
Bio-Innovation in Textiles explores the fusion of sustainability and personal comfort through the use of SCOBY—bacterial cellulose from kombucha—combined with bio-plastic. These innovative textiles are not only eco-conscious but also adaptive, molding to the wearer’s body over time. The result is clothing that evolves with you, offering a unique, lasting fit and paving the way for a timeless, sustainable approach to fashion.
Playscapes of The Future by Syeda Fatima Abbas
The Project explores nature-inspired design by integrating mycology, sensory architecture, and sustainability. Centered around constructing a Climbing Dome using mycelium blocks, the project incorporates textural elements, touch-responsive bioluminescent glow, and olfactory sensations to create an immersive, eco-conscious space. This fusion reflects nature’s adaptability and resilience, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional materials. The dome aims to demonstrate mycelium’s potential as a viable, environmentally friendly building material while delivering a unique sensory experience for users—especially children.
