Doctoral thesis on bioluminescent textiles opens up new applications

In Sweden, doctoral candidate Sweta Iyer has created bioluminescent textiles using enzyme immobilization and plasma treatments.

“The important research question was to understand the bioluminescent reaction mechanism that exists in different living organisms and the selection of the reaction system. This was important in order to make it possible to use the luminescent effects in textiles,” Iyer says.

The idea came to her after completing a master’s in physical chemistry from University of Mumbai and subsequently working at textile companies.  “This gave me insight into both textile processes and the processing industry. The research field motivated me to go for a doctorate. The question that captured my interest was how new chemicals can be applied in textiles to achieve new functions. That question came to be the focus of my doctoral thesis,” she says.

The work, entitled  “Luminescent textiles using biobased products—A bioinspired approach,” earned her a doctorate in textile technology from the University of Borås.

Potential applications include biomedicine, biosensors, and architecture.  “I hope that my work can contribute to the improvement and development of eco-efficient bio-inspired luminescent textiles in many different areas,” says Iyer.