Researchers at Imperial College London have created a sustainable and vegan leather alternative that can dye itself, eliminating the need for artificial chemical dyes. The team used genetically modified microbes to produce a flexible substance called bacterial cellulose, which can be grown into various shapes and colors. To demonstrate their technique, they created prototypes of shoes and wallets that self-dyed into black using a dark pigment produced by the bacteria. The process is environmentally friendly, requiring minimal carbon emissions, water, and land use compared to traditional leather production. The researchers also showed that the bacteria can be modified to produce colors in response to blue light, allowing for the creation of patterns and logos. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the fashion industry, providing a sustainable and vegan alternative to traditional leather and textiles. The team plans to work with the fashion industry to expand their technology and create a wider range of colors, materials, and patterns.
Researchers have created a new form of leather, generated by genetically modified bacteria that eliminates the need for animal or plastic products.
