Scientists Stun Fashion World with T. Rex-Inspired Leather Breakthrough

The process begins with fragments of collagen—a key structural protein found in skin and bones—extracted from 80-million-year-old T. rex fossils. While scientists once believed organic material could not survive fossilization, recent discoveries have revealed that traces of collagen can persist in some dinosaur bones through a complex chemical process. Using these fragments, The Organoid Company reconstructs a complete collagen sequence, which is then translated into synthetic DNA. This DNA is inserted into lab-grown cells, which are cultivated using Lab-Grown Leather’s proprietary Advanced Tissue Engineering Platform (ATEP™). Unlike other bio-based leathers, this “scaffold-free” approach allows cells to form natural skin-like structures, producing a material that mirrors the durability, texture, and repairability of traditional leather.

“This project is a remarkable example of how we can harness cutting-edge genome and protein engineering to create entirely new materials,” said Thomas Mitchell, CEO of The Organoid Company. “By reconstructing and optimizing ancient protein sequences, we can design T. rex leather, a biomaterial inspired by prehistoric biology.” Professor Che Connon of Lab-Grown Leather added, “This venture showcases the power of cell-based technology to create materials that are both innovative and ethically sound.”

The initiative has sparked excitement for its potential to transform the $500 billion global leather goods market, projected to reach $855 billion by 2032. Traditional leather production is linked to significant environmental issues, including deforestation and the use of harmful chemicals like chromium in tanning. The T. rex-inspired leather, branded as Elemental Leather™, is fully biodegradable and eliminates the need for animal slaughter, offering a sustainable alternative that aligns with growing consumer demand for ethical products. Initial applications will focus on luxury accessories, such as handbags and wallets, with plans to expand into automotive and smart textiles.

However, the project has faced skepticism from paleontologists who question the authenticity of the “T. rex leather” label. Experts note that no viable T. rex DNA has been recovered, as DNA typically degrades within a few million years, far short of the 66 million years since T. rex roamed the Earth. Furthermore, collagen has only been found in T. rex bones, not skin, which is the basis for traditional leather. Thomas Holtz, Jr., a vertebrate paleontologist at the University of Maryland, called the claims “exceedingly dubious,” stating, “We have no preserved tyrannosaurid DNA, and our understanding of T. rex skin structure is incomplete.” Thomas Carr, an associate professor at Carthage College, expressed similar doubts but acknowledged the ethical value of lab-grown leather, suggesting that focusing on modern animals like cows might be more practical.

Despite these concerns, the collaboration emphasizes that the material is inspired by T. rex biology rather than a direct recreation. “With T. rex leather, we’re harnessing the biology of the past to create the luxury materials of the future,” said Bas Korsten, Global Chief Creative Officer at VML, which previously gained attention for producing a lab-grown “mammoth meatball” in 2023. The team believes the material’s unique reptilian texture, informed by fossil evidence suggesting T. rex had scaly skin, will set it apart in the luxury market.

Posts on X reflect a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism, with some users calling the concept a “conversation piece” for fashion, while others question its scientific validity. The project’s developers remain optimistic, viewing it as a fusion of ancient resilience and modern innovation. If successful, T. rex-inspired leather could redefine sustainable luxury, proving that even the king of dinosaurs can leave a stylish legacy millions of years later.

For more information on the project, visit VML’s official announcement.