Standardizing Microbial Art: Growth Kinetics and Color Stability of Pigmented E. coli K-12 and S. cerevisiae Strains on Agar
Jiyoo Erin Lee
Seoul Foreign School, Seoul, South Korea
Publication date: July 10, 2026
Seoul Foreign School, Seoul, South Korea
Publication date: July 10, 2026
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2026I07
ABSTRACT
The scientific problem concerns the lack of standardization and generalization in the field of Bioart. As a realm of study that integrates science and art, it is considered a mode of expression that uses unconventional media and warrants investigation. Considering this, the study aimed to screen two microbial strains to develop a framework that enables scientists and artists to select microbial species for artistic applications, allowing bioartists to make purposeful artistic choices grounded in science. To do so, this study explored growth patterns, including growth rates, pigmentation intensity, and pigment sustainability, across two microbial strains using six agar plates. The method included an experimental model of cell types involving E. coli for bacterial strains and S. cerevisiae for yeast strains. Each strain was meticulously selected to be nonpathogenic, low-biohazard, and safe. The microbial strains were then cultured on six agar plates as standardized drawing surfaces — the drawings were created by applying small volumes of liquid culture using pipette tips. These were incubated and monitored for 72 hours. The microbial growth rates were then quantified by measuring visible colony diameter expansion and pixel brightness, and by comparing initial growth. The key results of the investigation indicated that microbial growth can vary among strains, suggesting that visual outcomes can be made predictable by manipulating variables. E. Coli strains exhibited a generally faster colony expansion and higher color saturation, providing a more vivid and dense pigmentation compared to S. Cerevisiae. Yet, it exhibited a decrease in overall color intensity over time, indicating that future considerations are warranted given its low long-term stability. In contrast, yeast strains grew more slowly and exhibited lower pigmentation, yet this led to more stable, long-term outcomes. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that microbial growth can be intentionally selected and manipulated to serve as a tool for artistic expression. By linking biological characteristics to artistic outcomes, the study supports microbial art as a reproducible medium, enabling artists and scientists to intentionally integrate scientific methodology and visual practice, with applications in exhibition design and experimental media.
The scientific problem concerns the lack of standardization and generalization in the field of Bioart. As a realm of study that integrates science and art, it is considered a mode of expression that uses unconventional media and warrants investigation. Considering this, the study aimed to screen two microbial strains to develop a framework that enables scientists and artists to select microbial species for artistic applications, allowing bioartists to make purposeful artistic choices grounded in science. To do so, this study explored growth patterns, including growth rates, pigmentation intensity, and pigment sustainability, across two microbial strains using six agar plates. The method included an experimental model of cell types involving E. coli for bacterial strains and S. cerevisiae for yeast strains. Each strain was meticulously selected to be nonpathogenic, low-biohazard, and safe. The microbial strains were then cultured on six agar plates as standardized drawing surfaces — the drawings were created by applying small volumes of liquid culture using pipette tips. These were incubated and monitored for 72 hours. The microbial growth rates were then quantified by measuring visible colony diameter expansion and pixel brightness, and by comparing initial growth. The key results of the investigation indicated that microbial growth can vary among strains, suggesting that visual outcomes can be made predictable by manipulating variables. E. Coli strains exhibited a generally faster colony expansion and higher color saturation, providing a more vivid and dense pigmentation compared to S. Cerevisiae. Yet, it exhibited a decrease in overall color intensity over time, indicating that future considerations are warranted given its low long-term stability. In contrast, yeast strains grew more slowly and exhibited lower pigmentation, yet this led to more stable, long-term outcomes. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that microbial growth can be intentionally selected and manipulated to serve as a tool for artistic expression. By linking biological characteristics to artistic outcomes, the study supports microbial art as a reproducible medium, enabling artists and scientists to intentionally integrate scientific methodology and visual practice, with applications in exhibition design and experimental media.
