| abstract |
The present invention provides a biofabricated leather incorporating the natural components found in leather and having excellent strength and uniformity and anisotropy. A biofabricated material comprising a network of cross-linked collagen fibrils is disclosed. This material is composed of collagen, which is also a major component of natural leather, and is produced by a process of fibrillation of collagen molecules into fibrils, cross-linking of fibrils, and lubrication of cross-linked fibrils. Unlike natural leather, this biofabricated material exhibits non-anisotropic (direction-independent) physical properties, for example, a sheet of biofabricated material is stretched or stressed in different directions When applied, they can have substantially the same elasticity or tensile strength. Unlike natural leather, biofabricated materials have a uniform texture that promotes uniform absorption of dyes and coating materials. Aesthetically, the biofabricated material provides a uniform and consistent grain for manufacturability. Biofabricated materials are distinct from natural leather, where grains increase from one side (eg, distal surface) to the other (proximal inner layer), with substantially the same grain, texture and other on both sides Can have aesthetic characteristics. [Selection figure] None |