Bio-e-Nails: a Sustainable Design Approach to Biobased Nail Interfaces

Hand positioned to show off a set of multicolored fake nails
Person holding up a wineglass to a mirror, showing off their nails

Bio-e-Nails use common ingredients obtained from algae or the hard exteriors of shellfish and other animals. They come in all shapes and sizes: Do you like long and sparkly nails? You can make them yourself in your own kitchen. What about shorter, bright pink nails with built-in computer chips? Theyre possible, too.

And, when youre done with your latest look, you can melt down the nails and make a new setor whatever else you can imagine. Instructions for making Bio-e-Nails are available for free online. Theyre also easy enough that anyone can follow them using craft supplies and ingredients for sale at many grocery stores.

Living Matter Lab

Woman standing in front of a red display table
Close up of adding rhinestones to a fake nail

Associated Researchers

Publications

Eldy S. Lazaro Vasquez, Sepideh Mohammadi, Latifa Al Naimi, Shira David, Mirela Alistar. 2025. . In: TEI '25: Proceedings of the Nineteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction. (Bordeaux/Talence, France, March 4 - 7, 2025).

Mirela Alistar, Shira David, Eldy S. Lazaro Vasquez. 2025. . In: TEI '25: Proceedings of the Nineteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction. (Bordeaux/Talence, France, March 4 - 7, 2025).