Up to 60% of global physical inputs could eventually be produced through biological processes — from food and textiles to packaging and energy.
Commercially viable use cases include fermented proteins, lab-grown collagen, omega-3s from algae, and biodegradable packaging.
Bio-based nutraceuticals are seeing explosive consumer interest, especially in functional foods, microbiome health, and longevity markets.
Convergence of biology + technology is enabling cost-competitive, sustainable biomaterials across multiple sectors which are scalable, and investable solutions to global industrial challenges.
Biomaterials are derived from renewable sources, can be composted or biodegraded, and have a significantly reduced carbon footprint. (Market Determinant)
Consumers and companies alike are demanding more sustainable, traceable, and natural alternatives, creating a strong market pull. (Pull)
Advances in gene editing, automation, and cell engineering have made it faster and cheaper to design and produce new biomaterials. (Push)
However, there are industry level challenges with questions on –
Scalability and cost-effectiveness (Is it better than current non renewable derivative?)
Material properties and performance (consistency and varied end-use application)
End-of-life management and biodegradation (non-toxic but needs guidelines)
Regulatory frameworks and standards (undefined)
Where we fit in – Natural Biomaterials segment which will witness 13% CAGR (relatively higher than other sub-segments) and relevant to our experience.
What developed so far – Melanin (99.9%+ purity) and Chitosan (derivatives with wide spectrum).
Efforts to Commercialise – Initial labs and operations set-up in India with support from Venture Centre and smaller orders being fulfilled right now.
Confidence to Scale – Samples of higher quality rather than common alternatives with c. 45% reduced costs. We would disrupt the market with the quality and consistency which is non-existent for now.
Biomaterials Market – By Type of Product (2019 – 2035 US$ Billion)
7.9% CAGR Till 2035
USD 193 Billion – Current Market Size
USD 442 Billion – Value in 2035
The economic potential is significant, with a projected $2 to $4 trillion in annual impact by 2030–2040.
The successful interfacing of electronics with biology is the next frontier for microelectronics and nanotechnology.
Melanin, a naturally occurring conjugated polymer composed of different structural subunits, may be an ideal candidate for such interfacing.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0956566318307176
https://www.frontiersin.org/news/2019/03/26/will-cyborgs-circuits-be-made-from-melanin/
What is Melanin?
A naturally occurring biopolymer with unique ionic-electronic conductivity, biocompatibility, and environmental resilience — offering a novel platform for next-gen electronic materials.
| Property | Impact in Tech |
|---|---|
| Biocompatible & biodegradable | Ideal for implantables, wearables, and medical electronics |
| Mixed electron–ion conductivity | Enables bioelectronic interfaces, neural stimulation, and biosignal capture |
| Self-healing & photoprotective | Durable in hostile or flexible environments |
| Broad-spectrum light absorption | Valuable for photodetectors, UV sensors, solar harvesting |
While abundant in nature, globally there lacks a way to extract 100% water-soluble melanin in large enough quantities to allow melanin’s applications to begin commercialisation.
Naturally Derived
Animals and Human – Hair/Skin/Eyes
Cuttlefish Ink
Synthetically Driven
Black Garlic
Bacteria & Fungi – Extra and Endo-cellular
Promecens patentable process has output result c. 500 times more in quantity than standard extraction process and the output product to be achieved at 99.9%+ purity levels.
All the steps to extract Melanin is effective for limited extraction and remains cost ineffective.
Scientifically – Heterogeneous biopolymer composed of indole units – 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI) and carboxylated derivate DHICA.
Hydration-dependent conductivity, meaning conducts significantly when “wet”.
Broadband absorber (UV–visible), a stable free-radical scavenger, and resists photodegradation, indicating good environmental and radiative stability.
Operationally scalable with fully automated solution has been validated for end-to-end process albeit at very small scale.
Quantities produced so far – 2,000 grams+ where the retail value lies between €800 – €1,200 per gram.
Where we lack – Commercialization and EU Standards Certified manufacturing (hence looking to scale through Ireland) and pushing for securing more LOIs.
Actual Image from Melanin Production Process
| Aspect | Microbial Melanin (Fungi/Bacteria) | Traditional/Synthetic Melanin (Sepia/callus/chemical) |
|---|---|---|
| Feedstock Source | Renewable: microbes using low-cost carbon sources or wastes | Animal-derived (e.g. cuttlefish ink) or plant callus; or petroleum-based chemical synthesis |
| Production Scale & Yield | Increasing via strain selection and fermentation | Traditionally limited by resource availability; synthetic cost and scale constraints |
| Extraction Intensity | Mild: biochemical fermentation, enzymatic or mechanical separation | Can be harsh: involves solvents and complex purification steps, especially from animal/plant tissues |
| Environmental Impact | Generally lower: uses renewable inputs and less chemical use; potential for climate-positive with circular feedstocks | Higher impact: marine harvesting, solvent use, or fossil inputs; more energy-intensive |
| Functional Benefits | High bioactivity, customizable via strain engineering and process control | Effective as pigment, but less versatile in tuning properties |
| Climate-Positive Potential | High: biomaterial-based, low waste, renewable feedstocks | Low: more conventional, limited circularity, higher carbon footprint |
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