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3w ago

Biotech Firms Aim to Create Lab-Grown 'T. Rex Leather' Using Synthetic Collagen

A consortium of companies is developing a sustainable luxury material inspired by prehistoric biology, though experts question its feasibility and scientific basis.

An AI visualization of a T-Rex handbag.
The process of creating T-Rex leather uses fossilized dinosaur collagen.

Overview

  • VML, The Organoid Company, and Lab-Grown Leather announced a partnership to engineer lab-grown leather using fossilized T. rex collagen and synthetic DNA templates.
  • Scientists and experts highlight the scientific challenges, citing the degradation of DNA over millions of years and the questionable authenticity of past T. rex collagen findings.
  • The project is in its early stages, with a prototype targeted for late 2025, but experts warn that any resulting material will likely resemble modern synthetic leathers rather than authentic dinosaur leather.
  • The companies promote the initiative as a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional leather, addressing environmental concerns like deforestation and chemical pollution.
  • Future plans include expanding the prehistoric-inspired material into industries beyond fashion, such as automotive applications, despite skepticism regarding the project's timeline and practicality.