‘Synthetic Aesthetics’ documents an interdisciplinary research project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the UK’s Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC).

Kellenberger–White art-directed lead photographs for use in the book – as part of the title spread for each chapter. The backdrop set was made from hot-wire cut polystyrene sheets and depicts a macro-size bacteria pattern; an array of objects referencing the synthetic biology lab populates the foreground of each image.