2026-06-09 デルフト工科大学（TU Delft）
/https%3A%2F%2Ffilelist.tudelft.nl%2FNews%2F2026%2F06_June%2FIMG20260403105440.jpg%3Fhash%3Dd2e3b1461e "下水由来資源を利用した持続可能なファッション素材の開発（From Sewer to Runway: Colourful Fashion Made from Wastewater Takes Shape）")
＜関連情報＞
- https://www.tudelft.nl/en/2026/tu-delft/from-sewer-to-runway-colourful-fashion-made-from-wastewater-takes-shape
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043135426008754
微生物由来のメラニン様物質：活性汚泥の褐色に影響を与える要因 Microbial melanin-like material: A factor beyond influencing the brown color of activated sludge
Yuemei Lin, Samarpita Roy, Peter-Leon Hagedoorn
Water Research Available online: 26 May 2026
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2026.126195
Highlights
- Melanin-like material was successfully isolated from activated sludge.
- Extracted material distincted from commercial humic acid and synthetic melanin.
- Metagenomics indicated widespread pyomelanin synthesis pathway.
- Melanin-like material contributes to activated sludge brown coloration.
- Extracted material showed strong binding on wool fibers.
Abstract
Melanin is a group of phenolic-quinone pigments. Natural melanin is nearly ubiquitous; found in all types of living organisms, ranging from mammals to bacteria. However, its presence and biosynthesis genomic potential in activated sludge have not been investigated. To explore this potential, melanin-like material was extracted from activated sludge collected from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. The extracted melanin-like material was characterized through biochemical analyses in comparison to synthetic melanin and humic acids that are commercially available. Metagenomic analysis of microbial community members in activated sludge and detection of tyrosine-derived melanin synthesis genes was performed. Additionally, the potential application of the extracted melanin-like material as a natural pigment was evaluated by testing its ability to color wool yarn. It was found that melanin-like material extracted from activated sludge accounted for around 11% of sludge dry mass. The isolated material displayed intrinsic autofluorescence, strong UV absorption, high oxidative stability, and free radical-rich EPR signal. FTIR analysis indicated a mixed polymer dominated by pyomelanin-like structures with eumelanin features, distinguishing it from synthetic melanin and humic acid. Metagenomic screening of the sludge community revealed widespread genomic potential for pyomelanin monomeric precursors biosynthesis across key functional genera (e.g. genera Zoogloea, Nitrotoga, Nitrosomonas, Ca. Accumulibacter, Azonexus, Ca. Competibacter, Propionivibrio, and Rhodoferax). These results suggest that microbial melanin-like material is an overlooked contributor to sludge coloration. Furthermore, the extracted pigment exhibited high affinity and wash fastness on wool fibers, demonstrating its potential for valorization as a sustainable biobased colorant.
