10182202Feasibility of Engineering Mycelium for Enhanced Material PropertiesClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKReplica Biomaterials is developing a new way to create leather-like materials using biotechnology instead of animals or plastics. Traditional leather production relies on livestock farming and chemical-heavy tanning processes, which use large amounts of land, water, and energy and contribute to pollution and carbon emissions. Many of today's alternative "vegan leathers" still rely on plastic coatings or synthetic chemicals to achieve the desired look and feel. This project explores a more sustainable solution by using mycelium, the root-like structure of fungi, as a natural and efficient growing material. The aim of this feasibility study is to take the first step towards producing a high-quality bio-based leather alternative that has strength, durability, and colour built in from the start. To do this, Replica Biomaterials will investigate whether mycelium can be enhanced through biotechnology to grow with some of the same natural properties that give leather its performance and appearance. Instead of adding coatings, finishes, or dyes after the material is grown, the goal is for the material to develop these key features as it forms. Over a two-month period, the project will focus on designing and testing early-stage biological methods to help mycelium produce useful natural components while it grows. This includes exploring how to introduce biological building blocks that could improve the material's structure and create colour naturally, without the need for chemical dyes or multiple processing steps. At this stage, the focus is on proving that this concept can work at a basic laboratory level. The work will take place at the Brookes Bioinnovation Hub in Oxford, which provides specialist laboratory facilities to support early-stage biotechnology research. If successful, this short project will provide the essential scientific foundation needed to develop and test new types of mycelium-based materials in future projects. This could lead to a more environmentally friendly way of producing leather-like materials that reduces the need for animals, chemicals, and waste. In the long term, this research could support the development of new sustainable materials and manufacturing methods in the UK, contributing to innovation, green jobs, and more resilient supply chains for the fashion and materials sectors.