With all microbial activity, the factors which influence the development of micro organisms on textiles are independent. Essentially they are temperature, moisture, the physical and chemical nature of the materials and of course the micro organisms itself. This means the bacteria in order to grow needs to have certain condition to do so. Each bacteria is different and therefore has different conditions and variables to grow.

This specific bacteria with which I am working on this project is a syntrophic mixed culture. It is made out of anaerobic ethanol fermentation (by yeast) anerobic organic acid fermentation ( by bacteria) and aerobic ethanol oxidation to acetate all take place concurrently along an oxygen gradient. A solution of starter tea and green/black tea is mixed with water and kept at room temperature for optimum growth. The tea provides added nutrients for the bacteria and also gives color to the end material.