11: Making Skis From Algae: The Biomanufacturing Process (feat. Dr. Scott Franklin)

<p>How can materials science facilitate the process of creating skis from the oils of microalgae? Going from a new type of material to product is a challenge for any innovation - especially when trying to design biopolymers for rugged applications. Further, discovering innovative and sustainable ways to meet mankind’s massive demand for plastic products is a crucial challenge to tackle in this coming decades. </p> <p> </p> <p>Before we introduce today’s guest, check out our <a href='https://www.subscribepage.com/mseprofessionaldevelopmentguide'>free professional development guide</a> for materials scientists and engineers and join our <a href='https://discord.gg/49dCV3W4eN'>Discord community</a> to meet other passionate MSEs from around the world!</p> <p> </p> <p>In today's episode we discuss these issues with Dr. Scott Franklin, the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Checkerspot, a startup looking to tackle these exact challenges. Checkerspot is focused on creating plastics from the oils produced by microalgae.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Dr. Scott Franklin can be contacted by writing him at: <a href='https://checkerspot.com/contact/'>https://checkerspot.com/contact/</a></p> <p> </p> <p>In this exciting conversation about innovations in biology and materials we discuss:</p> <ul><li style="font-weight:400;">How Checkerspot utilizes materials science for rapid innovation (1:31)</li> <li style="font-weight:400;">Why backcountry skis were chosen as the first use-case (6:38)</li> <li style="font-weight:400;">How Checkerspot tailors the output of microbes for outdoor products (15:44)</li> <li style="font-weight:400;">Overcoming the challenge of scaling up biotechnology to meet competitive cost (24:40)</li> <li style="font-weight:400;">Discussing the paradigm of biomanufacturing (30:48)</li> <li style="font-weight:400;">The impact of this technology on climate change (38:58)</li> <li style="font-weight:400;">And much more!</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>For shorter segments, subscribe to our channel on <a href='