Overview
Synthetic melanins have similar properties as lab-made carbon nanomaterials but are biocompatible and can be prepared sustainably. However, commercial adoption of melanin nanomaterials is hindered by limited size control, poor scale-up, and limited solubility, preventing use in advanced electronic and biomedical technologies. This solution introduces a bioinspired nanoprecipitation manufacturing process that produces melanin supraparticles with reproducible specifications for market-focused development.

The Opportunity
Developed by OSU researchers, this process enables scalable production of stable, size‑tunable (30–100 nm) melanin supraparticles, designed to deliver reliable optical and electronic performance in end products. Partners can tailor particle size, processing solvent and properties to fit target applications across flexible electronics, energy devices, medical technologies, and environmental solutions.

Key Advantages

• Size Tunability: Precise control over particle size supports customization.
• Exceptional Stability: Particles remain durable in diverse environments.
• Bioinspired Performance: Mimics natural melanin for advanced antioxidant, optical, and electrical features.
• Customizable co-assembly: Can co-assemble with drugs or functional molecules/polymers for biomedical, electronic, or energy applications.

Applications

• Bioelectronics: Flexible, biocompatible sensors & devices
• Energy & Photonics: Solar harvesting, batteries, photo- and electrocatalysis
• Biomedical: Targeted drug delivery, imaging, antioxidants
• Advanced Materials: Sustainable coatings, functional composites
• Environmental: Water purification and green chemistry

Patents: Provisional

Seeking: Licensing

Position your product portfolio at the forefront of materials innovation. To learn more or discuss licensing opportunities, contact the OSU Innovation and Commercialization team.