Manufacturing T-REX Leather
Dinosaur leather. Lab-grown meat. Replacement corneas.
It might sound like science fiction, but it’s happening right now in Newcastle at 3D BioTissues.
Adam Crosby, Director of Operations, reveals how this spin-out from Newcastle University (founded in 2019) is developing groundbreaking biological materials: from luxury leathers genetically verified as dinosaur skin to medical treatments that could change lives.
???? How it works:
Cells are cultivated using nutrients like glucose and growth factors, multiplying naturally to form tissues. Unlike traditional methods, 3D BioTissues produce pure biological materials without scaffolding—a world-first approach.
? Key innovations:
- ???? Dinosaur leather already drawing attention from luxury fashion houses
- ???? Pure lab-grown meat created without scaffolding
- ????? Lab-grown corneas with the potential to transform eye treatments for both animals and humans
???? Leadership & culture:
Adam champions a servant leadership style—empowering people to succeed whether he’s in the office or not. The team uses suggestion systems and innovation forms to encourage fresh ideas at every level.
?? Challenges for the region:
Despite world-class universities, many Northeast graduates move south to the Oxford–Cambridge–London “Golden Triangle” where funding is richer. Local combined authorities are now working together to support the science industry with better funding and specialist lab space.
???? The future:
From dinosaur watch straps to vision-saving medical breakthroughs, 3D BioTissues is proof that the Northeast is shaping the future of science and manufacturing.
???? Listen to the full conversation now, and don’t forget to like and subscribe to help share these innovations.
