About This Project

Polynesian voyaging stands as a testament to the engineering and navigation skills of Pacific Islanders. As our world faces the challenges of diminishing natural resources, the art of canoe building must undergo a transformative journey. This project considers chitin, a versatile natural polymer, as a material for eco-friendly canoe construction. By using innovative bio-reactor technology and repurposing organic waste, chitin could be produced sustainably and used in the future of wa’a building.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Polynesian voyaging emphasizes a harmonious relationship with the environment, harnessing both innovative and traditional practices. Chitin is a versatile natural polymer found abundantly in the exoskeletons of crustaceans, the cell walls of fungi, and the outer coverings of insects. Chitin is biodegradable and non-toxic in nature and is typically a tough and rigid material. By collecting chitin-rich waste, such as discarded crustacean shells or fungal biomass, and introducing the waste to a controlled environment, fermented microorganisms would be able to synthesize chitin that can then later be extracted. Not only would this produce chitin as a eco-friendly material, it would also power a circular system for waste to be reused sustainably.

What is the significance of this project?

Because of the scarcity of once-plentiful materials like old-growth wood and specific tree species, we must reevaluate our methods of canoe construction. The aim of this project is to not only produce an eco-friendly material but also contribute to a circular system, demonstrating the potential for waste reuse and sustainable practices in modern canoe construction. The scientific and engineering prowess of Polynesian culture and practices have always been at the forefront sustainability and coexistence with the environment, especially the ocean. This project demonstrates a commitment to the preservation of Polynesian voyaging culture and creating an environmentally focused future in material engineering and biology.

What are the goals of the project?

We aim to better understand how chitin may be used as a sustainable building material and how exactly we can produce it. This project's goal is to produce chitin material through a circular system using bio-reactor technology and ultimately use that material in wa'a construction. Key milestones of this project will include the successful collection of organic waste, the construction of a bio-reactor, and the producing of chitin material. We will then explore the potential use of this chitin material in canoe building.