An interdisciplinary team of University of Alberta undergraduate students came up with an innovative solution to the rampant waste caused by the fast fashion industry - and won a gold medal at an international competition for their work.
The team used genetically modified E. coli bacteria to break down waste fabric such as wool and mixed textiles into amino acids and sugars, which were then used as feedstock to make spider silk.
Synthetic spider silk is highly valued in industries like biomedicine, airplane manufacturing and fashion due to its strength, durability and flame resistance.
