Journal of Advanced Materials and Technologies

Journal of Advanced Materials and Technologies

Overview of techniques for extraction and preparation of melanin obtained from squid ink (Sepia pharaonis) for nanobiotechnology applications

Document Type : Research Review Article

Authors
Afrah Sepehr 1
Mehdi Farokhi 2
Morteza Mehrjoo 3
Mohammad Hossein Ghahremani 4
Fatemeh Mottaghitalab 5
1 Phd student, Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2 Associate professor, National Cell Bank of Iran, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
3 Researcher, Faculty of Medical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
4 Professor, Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
5 Associate professor, Nanotechnology Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
10.30501/jamt.2025.521993.1329
Abstract
Squid ink essence contains large amounts of organic compounds and pigments such as melanin. In this research, a brief overview of the characteristics of natural melanin pigment derived from squid ink and its types is first presented, followed by a discussion of novel methods used for extracting natural melanin using various pre-treatments. Finally, the application of natural melanin in the field of nanobiotechnology is discussed. It should be noted that, melanin can also be utilized in food industry, agriculture, military industries, environmental sectors, water purification, and electronics. Based on the conducted reviews, it has been determined that chemical methods for melanin extraction are not efficient and face limitations. It seems that using alternative methods, such as enzymatic methods, could increase extraction efficiency and, on the other hand, produce a biopolymer with higher purity. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of squid ink melanin, such as solubility, morphological characteristics, and stability, have been investigated. This study provides a relatively comprehensive outlook for evaluating the potential uses of active marine-derived resources in producing melanin for applications in nanobiotechnology. It is hoped that this article can provide useful information for the development of new extraction methods and applications of natural melanin in various fields.
Keywords
Natural Melanin
Squid Ink
Melanin Nanoparticles

Subjects

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Journal of Advanced Materials and Technologies
Volume 14, Issue 3
Autumn 2025
Pages 48-65

  • Receive Date 07 May 2025
  • Revise Date 06 July 2025
  • Accept Date 10 December 2025