Use of probiotic technology to support tanners to reduce waste and increase the value of by-products reducing the need of synthetic chemicals, improving the quality of effluents and reducing the carbon footprint to the environment. Probiotics or beneficial microorganisms are used to obtain biochemicals through a controlled fermentation of natural ingredients. The result of the process is a consortium of metabolites including viable probiotic microorganisms with properties very similar to traditional leather auxiliaries extensively needed during leather production, eliminating or reducing the need for use of toxic chemicals and compositions.

Use of probiotic technology to support tanners to reduce waste and increase the value of by-products reducing the need of synthetic chemicals, improving the quality of effluents and reducing the carbon footprint to the environment. Probiotics or beneficial microorganisms are used to obtain biochemicals through a controlled fermentation of natural ingredients. The result of the process is a consortium of metabolites including viable probiotic microorganisms with properties very similar to traditional leather auxiliaries extensively needed during leather production, eliminating or reducing the need for use of toxic chemicals and compositions.

The invention is directed to a method for producing a composite material comprising a biofabricated material and a secondary component. The secondary component may be a porous material, such as a sheet of paper, cellulose, or fabric that has been coated or otherwise contacted with the biofabricated material. The biofabricated material comprises a uniform network of crosslinked collagen fibrils and provides strength, elasticity and an aesthetic appearance to the composite material.

The invention is directed to a method for producing a composite material comprising a biofabricated material and a secondary component. The secondary component may be a porous material, such as a sheet of paper, cellulose, or fabric that has been coated or otherwise contacted with the biofabricated material. The biofabricated material comprises a uniform network of crosslinked collagen fibrils and provides strength, elasticity and an aesthetic appearance to the composite material.

A multi-layered material that includes a layer of natural leather or collagen leather with holes and/or micro-holes and coated with a hydrophobic agent, which is superimposed and adhered, by means of hydrolysis-resistant adhesives, said adhesives being arranged in a non-laminar fashion, to a layer of waterproof, breathable material to prevent the passage of water and to allow the passage of air therethrough.

A method of treating leather or hide is provided whereby a biocide and one or more detectable tags are applied to a piece of leather or hide. The detectable tag(s) can be detected to indicate one or more pieces of information, such as that the biocide has been applied to the piece of leather or hide and/or other information. Information about the biocide and the tannery that applied the biocide or other information can be discerned from detecting the detectable tag or from one or more of the detectable tags if used. A system for tagging leather or hide and applying a biocide are also provided as are methods and systems for detecting the tags.

A method of treating leather or hide is provided whereby a biocide and one or more detectable tags are applied to a piece of leather or hide. The detectable tag(s) can be detected to indicate one or more pieces of information, such as that the biocide has been applied to the piece of leather or hide and/or other information. Information about the biocide and the tannery that applied the biocide or other information can be discerned from detecting the detectable tag or from one or more of the detectable tags if used. A system for tagging leather or hide and applying a biocide are also provided as are methods and systems for detecting the tags.

Described herein is a method for producing a biofabricated material from collagen or collagen-like proteins which are recombinantly produced and which contain substantially no 3-hydroxyproline. The collagen or collagen-like proteins are isolated from animal sources, or produced by recombinant DNA techniques or by chemical synthesis. The collagen or collagen-like proteins are fibrillated, crosslinked, dehydrated and lubricated thus forming the biofabricated material having a substantially uniform network of collagen fibrils.

Described herein is a method for producing a biofabricated material from collagen or collagen-like proteins which are recombinantly produced and which contain substantially no 3-hydroxyproline. The collagen or collagen-like proteins are isolated from animal sources, or produced by recombinant DNA techniques or by chemical synthesis. The collagen or collagen-like proteins are fibrillated, crosslinked, dehydrated and lubricated thus forming the biofabricated material having a substantially uniform network of collagen fibrils.

The invention is directed to a composite material comprising a biofabricated material and a secondary component. The secondary component may be a porous material, such as a sheet of paper, cellulose, or fabric that has been coated or otherwise contacted with the biofabricated material. The biofabricated material comprises a uniform network of crosslinked collagen fibrils and provides strength, elasticity and an aesthetic appearance to the composite material.