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

Octopus ink, as fish waste, is a good source of melanin pigment powder was prepared from the ink sac, Grosschemical 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 antioxidantactivity were 36.59%, 8.90%, 0.08%, 218.06 mg/kg and 46.40%, respectively. Magnesium and copper were 116.53and 15.15 mg/100g, respectively. Serine content was 56.4%.The powder was free from Salmonella spp/25g. Melaninpowder was added to colorize pasta and olive paste, and the results of the sensory evaluation indicated that pastacooked in 1% melanin powder were highly accepted by panelists. Melanin pigment powder from the octopus ink saccan be used as a natural black coloring agent in certain food product.