Page 23 - InnoRenew CoE International Conference 2024

Melanin nanoparticles – a bioinspired solution for structural

coloration in architecture

Martyna Wienke , Wojciech Pajerski *, Anna Sandak 1,3
1
1,2
1 UInnoRenew CoE, Livade 6a, 6310 Izola, Slovenia,
2 Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, ul. Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
3 Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
* Corresponding author , wojciech.pajerski@innorenew.eu

Drawing inspiration from nature, structural colouration has the potential to transform the aesthetics and
functionality of architectural materials. By employing bioinspired methods alongside advancements in
nanotechnology, this research seeks to incorporate structural colouration into architectural surfaces, reducing
the dependence on conventional chemical dyes and pigments. Our work focuses on the development and
optimisation of melanin nanoparticles, with sizes ranging from 50 to 300 nm, to serve as the foundation for
creating colour in coatings applicable to a variety of architectural materials, such as wood, concrete, plastic,
and steel. We investigate multiple application techniques, including sonochemical methods, dip-coating, and
airbrushing, to achieve surface colouration.
Expanding beyond traditional materials, our research also delves into the creation of Engineered Living
Materials (ELMs). A key aspect of this study is evaluating the compatibility of these nanoparticles with the
fungus Aureobasidium pullulans, a non-pathogenic species integral to a living coating system for architectural
surfaces. Understanding how these nanoparticles interact with the fungus is critical for designing living systems

that exhibit specific and desirable colour properties.

Acknowledgment: This research was funded by the European Union (ERC, ARCHI-SKIN, #101044468).
Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the

European Union or the European Research Council. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can
be held responsible for them

11–12 SEPTEMBER 2024 I IZOLA, SLOVENIA 23