Engineered, environmentally friendly leather-like bio-based materials

Leather is important to the global manufacturing industry, contributing to both the economy and society. However, because of ecological and ethical considerations, alternative bio-based materials to natural leather are now being investigated. Advancements in biotechnology and bio-based materials, combined with flourishing biomanufacturing, have driven product development. In recent years, animal-free, biotechnology-based leather-like material has seen significant growth. Recent progress in leather-like bio-based materials development has been achieved using proteins, mycelium, cellulose, and other sustainable natural materials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these bio-based materials, addressing their challenges, practical implications, and potential to play a growing role in the emerging field of animal-free alternative. The development of 'future leather' has significant economic and environmental potential.