Comparative study on the physical entrapment of soy and mushroom proteins on the durability of bacterial cellulose bio‐leather

This study aimed to develop eco-friendly bacterial cellulose (BC) bio-leather with improved durability using plant-based proteins, namely soy protein isolate (SPI) and mushroom protein (MP), which were physically entrapped inside the BC, respectively. The amounts of the plant-based proteins were determined by evaluating the tensile strength of BC bio-leather, and were found to be 20 wt% and 50 wt% of BC for SPI and MP, respectively. The enhanced properties of mechanical strength and durability of BC bio-leather were measured in terms of changes in water resistance, tensile strength, flexibility, crease recovery, and dimensional stability. The durability of BC was improved after the entrapment of proteins, and moreover, the durability of BC entrapped with plant-based proteins was further improved by the addition of glycerol. Especially, BC entrapped with MP and glycerol had better water resistance, tensile strength, flexibility, and crease recovery compared to cowhide leather. The chemical and physical structures of BC bio-leathers were studied using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses. From the results, it was confirmed that BC entrapped with MP and glycerol could be a suitable leather substitute.