--- description: Melanin from cuttlefish ink can create polymeric materials like films and particles, from pyrrole derivates containing carboxylic acids. title: Melanin from Cuttlefish Ink Shows Potential as Sustainable Biomass Resource - Energy Theory image: https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Melanin-from-Cuttlefish-Ink-Shows-Potential-as-Sustainable-Biomass-Resource.png --- [ Close Menu ](#) * [About](https://energytheory.com/about-us/) * [EV](https://energytheory.com/category/electric-vehicles/) * [FAQs](https://energytheory.com/category/faqs/) * [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) * [Green](https://energytheory.com/category/green/) * [Renewable](https://energytheory.com/category/renewable/) * [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) * [Energy Economy](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-economy/) * [Energy Services](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-services/) * [Solar](https://energytheory.com/category/solar/) * [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) * [News](https://energytheory.com/category/latest-news/) * [Language](#) [ ![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png) ](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg)English [![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish](#) [![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French](#) [![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English](#) [![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian](#) [![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified)](#) [![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch](#) [![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish](#) [![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German](#) [![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi](#) [![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese](#) [![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish](#) [![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese](#) [![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian](#) [ ![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png) ](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg)English [![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish](#) [![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French](#) [![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English](#) [![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian](#) [![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified)](#) [![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch](#) [![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish](#) [![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German](#) [![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi](#) [![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese](#) [![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish](#) [![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese](#) [![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian](#) [Latest News](https://energytheory.com/category/latest-news/) # Melanin from Cuttlefish Ink Shows Potential as Sustainable Biomass Resource Cuttlefish, octopus, and other animals with ink sacs can now generate biofuels and help save the planet. By [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot%5Fclark/)July 2, 20242 Mins Read ![melanin from cuttlefish ink can create polymeric materials](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Melanin-from-Cuttlefish-Ink-Shows-Potential-as-Sustainable-Biomass-Resource-1024x683.png "Melanin from Cuttlefish Ink Shows Potential as Sustainable Biomass Resource") Biomass upcycling has recently attracted much attention as it turns easily available organic materials into biofuels. Although most studies focused on plant-derived biomass, a recent study highlights the potential of melanin. Yes, melanin from cuttlefish ink can create polymeric materials. The research team led by [Associate Prof. Michinari Kohri](https://www.chiba-u.ac.jp/e/) from the Graduate School of Engineering at [Chiba University](https://www.chiba-u.ac.jp/e/), Japan decided to **cover the gap between naturally-derived and artificially-derived biomass.** A detailed analysis was performed by using both naturally and artificially sourced melanin. They studied the decomposition of melanin and showcased its potential to upcycle. Artificial melanin was synthesized from polydopamine and obtained a polymer that is structurally similar to natural melanin. Powdered samples were used as model substances to run a series of decomposition tests under varying conditions. A series of analytical experiments were carried out on the resulting decomposition products. These **tests were repeated on natural melanin** extracted from ink sacs of the cuttlefish. ### **Highlights** * Both artificial and natural melanin were decomposed into pyrrole derivatives containing carboxylic acids. * Melanin derived from insects, melanin-producing microorganisms, or animal hair, has the potential to be equally used as a chemical precursor. * Products obtained from the decomposition of both melanin were used as raw materials to produce polymer films and particles. Have you heard how [Reef Design Lab’s Eco-Conscious Concrete Shells Safeguard Marine Habitats](https://energytheory.com/reef-design-labs-eco-conscious-concrete-shells-safeguards-marine-habitats/)? #### **Conclusion** The results highlight the possibility of using melanin derived from renewable and easily accessible resources to be **upcycled and used as a sustainable biomass resource**. This study attracts the attention towards how melanin from cuttlefish ink can create polymeric materials. Not just this, but it also aims to pave the way towards the adoption of melanin upcycling on a large scale to help protect the environment. **Source**: [Melanin Upcycling: Creation of Polymeric Materials from Melanin Decomposition Products](https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c01278) Share. 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With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference. #### Related Posts [![31.6% Efficient Perovskite Silicon Tandem Solar Cell by Fraunhofer ISE](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/31.6-300x200.webp "31.6% Efficient Perovskite Silicon Tandem Solar Cell by Fraunhofer ISE")](https://energytheory.com/31-6-efficient-perovskite-silicon-tandem-solar-cell-by-fraunhofer-ise/ "31.6% Efficient Perovskite Silicon Tandem Solar Cell by Fraunhofer ISE") #### [31.6% Efficient Perovskite Silicon Tandem Solar Cell by Fraunhofer ISE](https://energytheory.com/31-6-efficient-perovskite-silicon-tandem-solar-cell-by-fraunhofer-ise/) September 27, 2024 [![24.2% Efficient POLO Back Junction Solar Cell Built with PECVD by ISFH and Centrotherm Scientists](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/24.2-Efficient-POLO-Back-Junction-Solar-Cell-Built-with-PECVD-by-ISFH-and-Centrotherm-Scientists-300x200.webp "24.2% Efficient POLO Back Junction Solar Cell Built with PECVD by ISFH and Centrotherm Scientists")](https://energytheory.com/24-2-efficient-polo-back-junction-solar-cell-built-with-pecvd-by-isfh-and-centrotherm-scientists/ "24.2% Efficient POLO Back Junction Solar Cell Built with PECVD by ISFH and Centrotherm Scientists") #### [24.2% Efficient POLO Back Junction Solar Cell Built with PECVD by ISFH and Centrotherm Scientists](https://energytheory.com/24-2-efficient-polo-back-junction-solar-cell-built-with-pecvd-by-isfh-and-centrotherm-scientists/) September 25, 2024 [![New Walkable PV Panels by Hungary-based Platio Solar](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/New-Walkable-PV-Panels-by-Hungary-based-Platio-Solar-300x200.webp "New Walkable PV Panels by Hungary-based Platio Solar")](https://energytheory.com/new-walkable-pv-panels-by-hungary-based-platio-solar/ "New Walkable PV Panels by Hungary-based Platio Solar") #### [New Walkable PV Panels by Hungary-based Platio Solar](https://energytheory.com/new-walkable-pv-panels-by-hungary-based-platio-solar/) September 24, 2024 [Add A Comment ](#) Leave A Reply [Cancel Reply](https://energytheory.com/melanin-from-cuttlefish-ink-shows-potential-as-sustainable-biomass-resource/#respond) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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