Naturally occurring polymer
Found in humans, animals, plants, fungi and bacteria.
Biomimetic Melanin — Nature’s Intelligence. Engineered for Tomorrow.
At MelaNova Biosciences, we are developing next-generation biomimetic melanin technologies that combine biological inspiration with industrial scalability.
Our proprietary platform transforms one of nature’s most remarkable protective materials into a versatile technology designed for the industries of tomorrow.
What is melanin?
Melanin is a naturally occurring polymer and one of nature’s most widespread protective materials.
Black, heterogeneous pigment
Varies in size and structure rather than being a single uniform substance.
Limited and expensive sources
The sources available today are scarce and costly to obtain.
Eco-friendly and biocompatible
Gentle on people and on the environment, and suited to careful, sustainable production.
Potential applications — multifunctional
Most materials solve a single challenge. Melanin does several at once, which is what opens the door to so many different uses.
Broad radiation absorption
Absorbs a wide range of radiation, from UV light to gamma rays.
Antioxidant
Counteracts oxidative stress and scavenges free radicals.
Photo protector
Shields against light-induced damage and stays stable under exposure.
Chelator and adsorbent
Absorbs and chelates metals and binds organic compounds to its surface.
Organic semiconductor
Charge-carrying behaviour that makes bioelectronics applications possible.
Pigment
A deep, natural colour with long-lasting stability.
Antibacterial
Helps inhibit bacterial growth.
Melanin has evolved over millions of years to protect living organisms against ultraviolet radiation, oxidative stress, free radicals, and environmental stressors. Inspired by these natural mechanisms, MelaNova has developed a biomimetic melanin platform that captures these unique protective properties in a scalable, sustainable, and commercially adaptable material.
Unlike conventional UV filters, pigments, antioxidants, or functional additives that typically solve only one challenge, our biomimetic melanin delivers multiple performance benefits within a single platform technology. It combines broad-spectrum UV protection, outstanding photostability, antioxidant activity, free-radical scavenging, colour stability, and compatibility with a wide range of formulations and advanced materials.
The result is a multifunctional ingredient platform capable of improving product performance while supporting the growing demand for sustainable, bio-inspired innovation.
A Platform Technology for Multiple Industries
Our vision extends far beyond a single market. Biomimetic melanin represents a versatile technology platform with significant commercial potential across several high-value industries.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Advanced active ingredients for premium skincare, sun care, anti-ageing formulations, hair care, scalp care and colour cosmetics, combining protection with long-term product performance.
Medical & Healthcare
Future applications include wound care, implant coatings, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, medical devices and advanced biomaterials where oxidative protection and biocompatibility are essential.
Advanced Materials
Functional additives for polymers, coatings, composites, packaging materials, fibres and bioplastics, improving UV resistance, durability, weatherability and product lifetime.
Environmental Technologies
Novel opportunities in water purification, filtration systems, pollutant adsorption and sustainable environmental solutions that leverage melanin’s unique chemical characteristics.
Emerging Technologies
The adaptability of our platform also creates exciting opportunities within textiles, agriculture, electronics, energy storage, specialty chemicals and future industrial applications that demand multifunctional, sustainable materials.
Origins
Where it began: water purification
The first intended use of the technology was water purification. Melanin adsorbs a large variety of chemicals onto its surface and can therefore act as an “activated carbon”.
The main benefit would be to produce that “activated carbon” using nutrients already present in wastewater — an approach that could deliver substantial savings on the environmental footprint compared to conventional activated carbon.
After evaluating the technology, we found that its largest economic potential lies not in waste-water or waste management, but in the production of melanin for use in a wide range of products.
Our own R&D shows that the technology can be used to produce melanin for use as a carbon black substitute or in organic electronics — journeys we are now looking for the right partners to continue.
Science with Commercial Purpose
At MelaNova Biosciences, our objective is not simply to develop new materials—it is to enable new industries and new products.
We collaborate with universities, industrial partners, global brand owners and technology leaders to transform cutting-edge science into commercially viable solutions with measurable market impact.
Our multidisciplinary approach combines biotechnology, chemistry, materials science and application development to accelerate innovation from laboratory discovery to industrial implementation.
Building the Next Generation of Functional Materials
Around the world, industries are seeking alternatives that are safer, more sustainable and capable of delivering multiple functions simultaneously.
We believe biomimetic melanin represents one of the most promising next-generation functional materials—offering a unique combination of biological intelligence, industrial performance and environmental responsibility.
At MelaNova Biosciences, we are committed to unlocking its full commercial potential through innovation, strategic partnerships and scientific excellence.
Partner with us
Looking for partners to take melanin further
We are looking for partners who are better placed to bring the technology to market. If one of these fits your organisation, we would like to talk.
Licensing
License the technology for your own products or markets.
Co-development
Develop applications together — from cosmetics to carbon black substitutes and organic electronics.
Investment
Invest in scaling up the production of biomimetic melanin.
About MelaNova Biosciences
MelaNova Biosciences is dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of proprietary biomimetic melanin technologies for global industrial applications.
The company collaborates with partners across academia and industry to develop high-value solutions within personal care, medical technology, advanced materials and environmental applications.
MelaNova Biosciences is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cyclezyme AB, a publicly listed Swedish biotechnology company focused on developing sustainable enzyme-based technologies and innovative bio-based materials for global markets.
Nature perfected it.
Contact us
Tell us a little about yourself and what you have in mind, and we will get back to you.