Bio-derived eumelanin pigment for non-oxidative durable hair coloration

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.