Fermenting cellulose
Designer Suzanne Lee has produced (and continues to develop) a fabric that comes from a zoogleal mat formed during the fermentation of a sweetened tea. The fabric that is produced is still made up of cellulose (like cotton, linen, viscose and rayon) but it comes not from plants but from bacteria. The fabric that is produced has similarities with very thin leather, though sadly it’s performance in the rain is less resilient as it tends to become a little mushy.
It sounds as though the fabric is being developed further so I look forward to seeing its progress.
Website link: Popular Science, BioCouture
Website link: BioCouture