Bio-derived eumelanin pigment for non-oxidative durable hair coloration
Melsa Biotech offers a bio-derived eumelanin pigment extracted from insect biomass for non-oxidative, durable hair coloration. This natural pigment eliminates the need for harsh chemicals and provides a stable powder form for easy application. The collaboration seeks to co-develop deposition chemistry for durable binding to keratin fibers without cuticle disruption.
Overview
Melsa Biotech introduces a revolutionary bio-derived eumelanin pigment, extracted from insect biomass, designed for non-oxidative and durable hair coloration. Unlike conventional hair dyes, this natural eumelanin is pre-formed, requiring no oxidative coupling, ammonia, or aromatic amines, thereby reducing regulatory and sensitization risks. The pigment delivers a natural brown-to-black color range, appealing to the largest segment of the global hair color market. With high purity and stability, it offers a sustainable and safe alternative to traditional hair dyes.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Extracted from insect biomass using a validated protocol, ensuring 100% UV-Vis purity equivalence to synthetic eumelanin reference standards.
- Supplied as a stable powder, eliminating the need for oxidative chemistry.
- Demonstrates reproducible spectral overlap at key wavelengths (220, 350, and 500 nm).
- Compatible with keratin fibers through metal-coordination and hydrophobic interactions, enabling durable color deposition.
Development Phases:
- Phase 1 (0-3 months): Sample delivery and joint specification, establishing baseline properties with formulation teams.
- Phase 2 (3-9 months): Development of non-oxidative binding chemistry, including wash-fastness testing.
- Phase 3 (9-18 months): Application validation, sensory and stability evaluations, and regulatory compliance.
- Phase 4 (18+ months): Pilot production for market testing and commercial negotiations.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 4, the eumelanin pigment technology is in the development phase, with ongoing efforts to establish durable deposition chemistry and complete application validation. This includes regulatory dossier initiation and IP structuring for upstream and jointly developed technologies.
About Melsa Biotech
Melsa Biotech is a developer of advanced biomaterials specializing in the extraction and production of pure, water-soluble melanin. The company employs an efficient and sustainable extraction process to produce high-purity melanin in commercial quantities, which serves as a natural alternative to synthetic versions. Their technology is designed for applications across high-value sectors, including semiconductors, aerospace, defense, quantum computing, and organic electronics. The company also offers bespoke contract manufacturing services tailored to specific client needs and material requirements.
By leveraging the unique properties of melanin, such as its capability for radiation shielding and use in lightweight structural components, Melsa Biotech aims to provide innovative solutions that improve performance and sustainability in critical industries. The company operates in a stealth-focused capacity, emphasizing technical excellence and scalable supply chains to support research and industrial implementation. Their approach integrates expertise in molecular biology and process engineering to deliver biomaterials that meet the rigorous standards of modern global innovation.
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