In the meantime, a designer by the name of Tashia Tucker is thinking about how the new world of bacteria-impregnated products and architecture could potentially work by creating a number of theoretical prototypes. Using a Nintendo gaming mat hooked up to an Atmel-based Arduino board and a projector, she simulates how a dirt-eating carpet could ultimately function.

“The microbial floor project came about with the idea of being able to detect toxins in our environment, whether it’s pet dander or dust or dirt,” Tucker explains. “It could find whatever type of toxin it’s programmed for and eat away at it off the surface. I show it as a flooring speculation, but it could be used for various types of surfaces in our environment.”

Tucker also showcased an intuitive kitchen countertop which can be programmed to detect salmonella, pesticides and genetically modified food. The same technology could one day be used in hospitals for surgical tools and other medical equipment, changing colors to warn medical staff if the instruments aren’t clean.

Last, but certainly not least, Tucker demonstrated a special light-sensitive bacterium which could be used to create an interactive wall coating that changes modes by growing to create a screen and shrinking away to provide more light.

“Within maybe the next 15 to 20 years, we’ll start to see these surfaces much further developed and more accessible to the public. [Yes], there are kind of scary things about this idea. We’re releasing this bacteria that we’ve changed and manipulated out into the world,” she adds. “There’s always going to be a debate moving forward about culture manipulating nature, playing around with things that are naturally there. It’s going to be a sensitive issue.”