A wallet dyed using an eco-friendly bacterial dyeing method. Provided by Tom Ellis
Scientists have developed “self-dying” vegan (plant-based) skin by correcting the genes of bacteria. The dyeing process using harsh chemicals can be omitted and is biodegradable without toxicity. This is expected to pave the way for producing plant-based leather products in a more eco-friendly way than before.
A research team led by Professor Tom Ellis of Imperial College London (ICL) in the UK has developed a plant-based leather that changes color without a separate process by correcting the genes of bacteria that can synthesize biodegradable natural cellulose, and has published the results of the search on the 3rd (local time). ) was published in the international academic journal “Nature Biology”.
Bacteria whose genes were corrected by the research team dyed cellulose fibers, the material of plant skin, black. The bacteria grown on the fiber were genetically modified to produce eumelanin, a black pigment.
In this experiment, bacteria were grown on a sheet of cellulose fiber cut into a mold. After 14 days, the pigmenting action of the bacteria was activated by gently shaking the fiber in warm water at 30 degrees. The vegetable leather thus made was cut and sewn to create a black wallet.
The research team said: “The bacteria-based dyeing method identified this time is effective enough to make real products” and added: “Indeed, design aspects such as the shape and color of the fiber can be considered.” .
It has been explained that this method of producing plant fibers can be of great help in the production of eco-friendly fibers. Unlike plastic-based leather substitutes, fibers using bacterial dye are safe, non-toxic and biodegradable in the natural environment.
The research team also said that various eco-friendly dyeing methods using bacteria could be developed in the future. For example, he explained that it is possible for bacteria to produce colored proteins when they come into contact with a blue light source. In subsequent research, we plan to look at ways to create various patterns in fibers using bacteria.
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