A Systematic Review on Potential Bio Leather Substitute for Natural Leather
Girmaw Yeshanbel Kefale, Zerihun Teshome, Alehegn Atalay Birlie
Abstract
Bio-based leather substitutes are an emerging class of ethically and environmentally responsible natural fabrics that are increasingly exceeding consumer aesthetic and functional expectations as an alternative to bovine and synthetic leathers. This literature review creates a clear and elaborative overview of conventional leather processing along with innovative potential bio-leather substitutes. Plant-driven, fungal-origin, bacterial-driven, and animal-origin bio-leathers are the current innovative research advances addressed in this literature. While traditional leather and its alternatives are sourced from animals and synthetic polymers, these renewable and sustainable leather substitutes are gained from bacterial cellulose, mycelium, plant cellulose, and animal cells using tissue engineering and other eco-friendly techniques. In conclusion, bio-based leather alternatives are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and sustainable and ultimately can substitute natural leather made by conventional processing.