Breaking It Down
Research | Copy Writing | 3D Modeling | Data Visualization | Illustration & Design
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, commonly found in clothing and food containers, normally take centuries to degrade within a natural environment. This molecular visualization explores the process through which two enzymes found in a bacteria called Ideonella sakaiensis work together to break down PET plastics into their base components.
Client : Dr. Derek Ng, University of Toronto
Format : 2-page journal spread
Tools : Autodesk Maya, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Chimera, Procreate, VMD
Process Work
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Ideation
On this brainstorming miro board, I ideated on the story I would tell as well as the general visual format each section of information would take.
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Sketches
During the sketch stage, I considered the flow of information and how to provide appropriate context across different scales.
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3D Asset Production
I created the 3D scene of the two enzymes using molecular models from the Protein Data Bank. The cell membrane was created using a MASH network and features a composition accurate to what is found within I. sakaiensis.
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Post-processing
The final 3D rendered scene was post-processed in Adobe Photoshop. I made adjustments to the overall lighting and depth of focus to guide the eye toward key areas in the piece.
