Body fluid

Sx-Poiesis

What if we could create a sustainable future with our own fluids?

The research behind the taboo/body-fluid-based material combines open-source biotechnology, feminist fermentation, and the construction of a do-it-yourself sensibility in symbiosis with the environment, to create erotic biotech artefacts, sustainable sexual prostheses and body fluid-based biosilicons.

Menstrual and sexual fluids are used as raw materials to grow salt crystals with the aim of creating sexy, taboo-based lingerie, which becomes part of a performative act to claim sexual liberation from pre-established and structured daily patterns.

Sex toys and sensorial textiles are created using extracts of algae, aloe and body fluids. The sea-based and fluid-based biosilicons would encourage a connection with nature and pleasure and allow one to investigate one's own sexuality without limitations or judgments. Furthermore, sustainability in sextech is usually overshadowed; silicones, latex and non-biodegradable materials are mainly used in the production of sex toys. Due to their great properties, such as water repellent and heat resistant, algae extracts could assume the role of future materials within the sextech industry.

Sx-Poiesis project is an aesthetic experience beyond the pleasure principle, that pleasure is confined to the norms of heterosexuality and patriarchal systems; It claims the liberation of sexuality and aims to open dialogue between the visible and the invisible, the body and its fluids.

During the heating of the solution, mineral salts are added up to its saturation, until they no longer dissolve, then the solution is further filtered and poured into an acrylic container where the fabric or threads to be crystallised will be inserted, making sure that they do not touch the bottom or sides of the container.

Making process

Crystallisation is a common and useful laboratory technique, it is based on the principle that a substance dissolved in a hot saturated solution separates from it after cooling. Menstrual blood is composed of water, dead cells, lipids, proteins, hormones and stem cells. The crystallisation of menstrual blood is a long process and good results are not always obtained due to various conditions such as the type of consistency of the monthly period and the temperature of the surrounding environment. During and after the collection of menstrual blood using the moon cup or glass jars, everything must be sterilised and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until the end of the menstrual cycle.

Filtration and dilution of the fluid in distilled water are essential for the success of crystallisation. In addition, a few drops of tea tree oil can be used to sterilise and eliminate odours. During the heating of the solution, alum/borax is added up to its saturation, until they no longer dissolve, then the solution is further filtered and poured into an acrylic container where the fabric or threads to be crystallised will be inserted, making sure that they do not touch the bottom or sides of the container.

The average growth time of the crystals is one week with constant control so that mould does not form on the surface, and it is essential to cover the container well to avoid contamination. Menstrual and sexual fluids can also be used to create textiles and biomaterials in combination with algae.
Alginate, for example, is a natural polysaccharide derived from brown algae. It has several properties such as film-forming ability, pH responsiveness, gelling, hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, processability and ionic cross linking.

When calcium chloride is added, a flexible and soft solid is created: a gel bead, and calcium alginate.
Alginate, distilled water, glycerin, sunflower oil and the addition of a few drops of rose palm or tea tree oil will be mixed together in a blender and left to stand overnight. This can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Fluids can be added during this process or after being poured, taking care not to create air bubbles when mixing it. The final composite will be cast on a flat surface and sprayed with a solution of calcium chloride and water and left to dry for 1 week in a dry and ventilated environment.

The prototype of the blood crystals was made with potassium alum for reduced crystallisation times. It is a hydrated mixed salt of aluminium and potassium, extracted from alum stone (aluminate) Used mainly as a deodorant and disinfectant and to purify water or fix colours on fabrics. A more sustainable alternative is the use of sea salt and naturally extracted salts.

Text submitted by the maker and edited by the Future Materials Bank. For information about reproducing (a part of) this text, please contact the maker.