Octopus Ink as a Source of Melanin: Preparation, Evaluation, and Utilization

Document Type : Review article

Authors

1 Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.

2 Food Science and Technology Faculty of Agriculture - Alexandria University

3 Food Science and Technology Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt

Abstract

Octopus ink, as fish waste, is a good source of melanin pigment powder was prepared from the ink sac, Gross
chemical composition, mineral content, total phenolic content, amino acid content, protein pattern, UV-vis spectra,
microbiological examination, and antioxidant activity were determined. Protein, ash, fat, total phenolicand antioxidant
activity were 36.59%, 8.90%, 0.08%, 218.06 mg/kg and 46.40%, respectively. Magnesium and copper were 116.53
and 15.15 mg/100g, respectively. Serine content was 56.4%.The powder was free from Salmonella spp/25g. Melanin
powder was added to colorize pasta and olive paste, and the results of the sensory evaluation indicated that pasta
cooked in 1% melanin powder were highly accepted by panelists. Melanin pigment powder from the octopus ink sac
can be used as a natural black coloring agent in certain food product.

Keywords