Using design as a tool to explore new possibilities for Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Tiger Penis Project attempts to bridge the knowledge gap between western and alternative medical practices by employing biotechnology. “Some of the medication and remedy of Chinese medicine does need to use certain herbs or animal parts as ingredients for the patient, and some of the ingredients in the medical book are from endangered animals or endangered plants so it caused a severe conflict between protecting endangered species and preserving traditional Asian medical heritage.” Akin to the processes of growing cultured meat, the project attempts to recreate necessary animal parts used in TCM by using the animal’s DNA and the powers of 3D printing with modern biotechnology.
With this project, Kuang-Yi’s aim is not limited to TCM but to incorporate and provide a pathway for various traditional, alternative medicinal practices to preserve and continue their cultural practices. He believes that in doing so, this might also open up the possibility of combining western and traditional medical practices:
