Glossary

Organic compounds that combine to form proteins; essential for biological functions and often involved in bio-based material synthesis.

A substance or property that prevents bacterial growth or kills bacteria, often used in medical or hygienic materials.

A substance that inhibits the growth and development of microorganisms on living tissues, used for sterilization and wound care.

Derived from biological sources, such as plants or microbes, rather than fossil fuels; often used in sustainable materials.

Organic matter from plants or animals used as a renewable energy source or raw material for bioproducts.

A material derived from biological sources — plant-based fibres, fungal and mycelium networks, bacterial cellulose, protein fibres, seaweed — used as a sustainable alternative to petrochemical feedstocks.

The natural process by which living organisms produce complex molecules from simpler ones using enzymes.

A production chain based on biosynthesis, where biological processes are used to manufacture materials or chemicals.

Secondary products generated during the manufacture or breakdown of another product, sometimes useful or recyclable.

One of the industry-framed prompts (C1–C10) derived from the IMASUS Industry Needs Report. A project may optionally pick a challenge as its starting point; teams often form around shared challenges.

A natural polymer found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects; used in biodegradable materials and medical applications.

Biological material derived from cow intestines, historically used for surgical sutures or strings, such as tennis or musical instrument strings.

A shared generative vision formulated as three elements — Name, Promise, and Principle — used in Imagineering Step C to reframe a challenge and guide decentralised action by everyone who engages with it.

A chemical process that removes acetyl groups from a molecule, often used in modifying biopolymers like chitin into chitosan.

A design strategy anchored in end-of-life thinking: choosing fibres, constructions, and components so the finished product can be disassembled and its materials recovered. Less than 1% of textiles are currently recycled into new c…

To force a material through a shaped die to form a continuous shape; a process used in plastic and fibre manufacturing.

The workshop role responsible for managing a workshop, inviting participants, and coaching projects. Facilitators do not evaluate or grade; they circulate as mentors and can moderate in case of conflict.

A metabolic process converting sugars to acids, gases, or alcohol, often used in food, biofuels, and bio-based material production.

A shared structure of concepts, principles, or tools that guides how a challenge is approached. In IMASUS, frameworks include the Imagineering ABCD steps and the four design lenses (zero waste, recyclability, modularity, longevity…

Microbes that have been genetically modified to produce useful substances like enzymes, fibres, or chemicals.

A complexity-informed design discipline — a portmanteau of Imagination and Engineering, developed by Diane Nijs at Breda University of Applied Sciences — that moves beyond conventional problem-solving toward the co-design of new r…

Small, often pelletized, particles used as raw material in industrial processes such as molding or extrusion.

A dated item in a project's process log — rich text with optional photos, videos, and material references — visible to all project members and to the workshop facilitator. Not published unless the team selects it for the public pa…

The process of bonding layers of materials together to improve strength, durability, or functionality.

The use of microbes to carry out fermentation, often for creating bio-based chemicals, fuels, or fibres.

A photograph captured through a microscope, typically a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). In the IMASUS Materials Database, micrographs produced at CSIC reveal each material's structure at microscopic level, making its propertie…

The root-like structure of fungi, used in biofabrication to create sustainable materials such as packaging, leather alternatives, and insulation.

Fibres derived from fungi, often biodegradable and used in sustainable textiles or composites.

The primary workshop role — a student or young professional who joins via invitation from a facilitator, creates projects, and documents their process through log entries. Participants may join multiple workshops.

Chemical or biological agents used to kill or control pests, often associated with agriculture and environmental concerns.

Chemical products derived from petroleum or natural gas, used to manufacture plastics, fibres, and synthetic materials.

Polysaccharide-based substances or waste streams that can become pollutants when released or discarded without recovery.

Polymers with recurring amide groups, including both natural forms such as proteins and synthetic forms such as nylon.

Materials discarded by end-users after use, often collected for recycling or waste-to-energy processes.

The central collaborative object of an IMASUS workshop. A project is created by a participant, optionally linked to a challenge, accumulates log entries, and can be published as a public case-study page. It has one or more members…

A synthetic fibre known for exceptional elasticity and used in clothing, especially activewear. Also known as elastane, it is made from long-chain synthetic polymers called polyurethanes.

A device with tiny holes through which polymer solutions are extruded to form fibres in synthetic fibre production.

The set of participants who are members of a project. Teams are typically formed during the in-person workshop around shared challenges. Membership is open to any registered participant the project owner invites.

The IMASUS design workshop, spanning before, during, and after a physical session. Participants register via invitation, browse materials and training, create a project, log their process, and publish a public page.

A design strategy that minimises material waste during patternmaking, cutting, and construction. Roughly 15–30% of fabric is wasted before a garment reaches anyone; zero waste patternmaking drives this toward zero.