Cuttlefish Ink Research Articles

Biomass carbon nanosphere-based piezoresistive flexible pressure sensors for motion capture and health monitoring

Biomass carbon-based flexible sensors have shown significant potential in various applications. Indeed, biomass carbon-based flexible sensors, such as carbonized cotton fabrics, exhibit limitations in terms of sensitivity and response speed. Herein, a kind of biomass carbon nanosphere-based flexible pressure sensor was proposed and developed by embedding biomass carbon nanospheres on the skin-hair structures of the polydimethylsiloxane surface. The carbon nanospheres were obtained through the carbonization of cuttlefish ink. Owing to the skin-hair structures fabricated on the surface of the composite films, the sensors achieve a sensitivity of 135.2 kPa−1 in the pressure range of 0–1 kPa. In addition, the sensors exhibit a short response (43 ms) and recovery time (23 ms). With these properties, the sensors can capture and monitor various motions as well as the characteristic waveforms of the wrist pulse, such as the percussion wave (P wave), tidal wave (T wave), and diastolic wave (D wave).

Drying effects on physicochemical and functional properties of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) ink powder

This study investigated the physicochemical, functional, and organoleptic properties of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) ink powder prepared by freeze drying and hot air tray drying. Key proximate and physicochemical properties were measured to assess differences due to drying method. In addition, organoleptic tests were conducted on cuttlefish ink powder incorporated into spaghetti sauce. Freeze-dried powders had slightly higher moisture (9.86 %) than tray-dried powders (7.65 %) and more ash (15.04 versus 13.19 %). Both samples had ∼43 % protein, a light-brown to black color and a pH of 5.5–5.6 when rehydrated. There were no differences in loose or tapped density and Hausner ratios of 1.30–1.35 suggest the powders had ‘passable’ flow. Overall protein solubility varied with pH and freeze-dried materials generally had greater solubility. FT-IR showed no differences in peaks derived from organic components. FE-SEM showed both samples had spherical granules that formed 100–200 nm clusters; however, the surface texture of tray-dried powders was rougher than the freeze-dried samples. Consumer tests showed higher overall likability for spaghetti sauce with fresh ink compared to dried ink powders. Differences were attributed more to texture than to flavor or appearance. Cuttlefish ink can be utilized in the food industry, particularly as a natural flavor, food coloring or additive.

Influence of Cuttlefish-Ink Extract on Canned Golden Seabream (Sparus aurata) Quality.

Four different concentrations of an aqueous extract of cuttlefish (Sepia spp.) ink (CI) were introduced, respectively, into the packing medium employed during golden seabream (Sparus aurata) canning. The quality parameters of the resulting canned fish were determined and compared to the initial fish and the control canned muscle. An important effect of the CI concentration introduced in the packing medium was proved. The presence in the packing medium of a relatively low CI concentration (CI-2 batch) led to a lower (p < 0.05) lipid oxidation development (fluorescent compound formation), lower (p < 0.05) changes of colour parameters (L* and a* values), and lower (p < 0.05) trimethylamine values in canned fish when compared to control canned samples. Additionally, the two lowest CI concentrations tested led to higher average values of C22:6ω3, ω3/ω6 ratios, and polyene index. On the contrary, the use of the most concentrated CI extract (CI-4 condition) led to a prooxidant effect (higher fluorescence ratio value). In agreement with environmental sustainability and circular economy requirements, the study can be considered the first approach to a novel and valuable use of the current marine byproduct for the quality enhancement of canned fish. On-coming research focused on the optimisation of the CI-extract concentration is envisaged.

Development of an efficient hemostatic material based on cuttlefish ink nanoparticles loaded in cuttlebone biocomposite.

Traumatic hemorrhage is one of the main causes of mortality in civilian and military accidents. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cuttlefish bone (cuttlebone, CB) and CB loaded with cuttlefish ink (CB-CFI) nanoparticles for hemorrhage control. CB and CB-CFI were prepared and characterized using different methods. The hemostasis behavior of constructed biocomposites was investigated in vitro and in vivo using a rat model. Results showed that CFI nanoparticles (NPs) are uniformly dispersed throughout the CB surface. CB-CFI10 (10 mg CFI in 1.0 g of CB) showed the best blood clotting performance in both in vitro and in vivo tests. In vitro findings revealed that the blood clotting time of CB, CFI, and CB-CFI10 was found to be 275.4 ± 12.4 s, 229.9 ± 19.9 s, and 144.0 ± 17.5 s, respectively. The bleeding time in rat liver injury treated with CB, CFI, and CB-CFI10 was 158.1 ± 9.2 s, 114.0 ± 5.7 s, and 46.8 ± 2.7 s, respectively. CB-CFI10 composite resulted in more reduction of aPTT (11.31 ± 1.51 s) in comparison with CB (17.34 ± 2.12 s) and CFI (16.79 ± 1.46 s) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, CB and CB-CFI10 exhibited excellent hemocompatibility. The CB and CB-CFI did not show any cytotoxicity on human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells. The CB-CFI has a negative surface charge and may activate coagulation factors through direct contact with their components, including CaCO3, chitin, and CFI-NPs with blood. Thus, the superior hemostatic potential, low cost, abundant, simple, and time-saving preparation process make CB-CFI a very favorable hemostatic material for traumatic bleeding control in clinical applications.

Design of mechanically robust, recyclable, multi-stimuli-responsive shape memory elastomers based on biological phytic acid and cuttlefish ink

Facilitating the utilization of biomass in the rubber field is a facile strategy to reduce environmental pollution and the carbon emission. Herein, biological phytic acid (PA) was served as an eco-friendly curing agent, and cuttlefish ink (CI) was acted as a photothermal trigger switch to fabricate multi-stimuli-responsive shape memory biobased epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) with mechanical robustness and recyclable ability. ENR was vulcanized by PA via the ring-opening reaction between phosphate groups of PA and epoxy group of ENR, leading to the construction of an impeccable cross-linking network and an adjustable Tg gradient, which endowed the elastomers with improved mechanical properties and shape memory effect. Meanwhile, the topology rearrangement occurred at elevated temperatures relied on phosphate transesterification, leading to excellent thermo-activated recyclable ability and reconfigurable shape memory performance of the elastomers. Additionally, CI acted as reinforced filler to enhance the ENR matrix, enabling elastomers to achieve a robust tensile strength of 21.4 MPa and tensile toughness of 30.4 MJ/m3, which was nearly 26.8 times and 11.3 times of the neat ENR, respectively. Exhilaratingly, CI also acted as photothermal trigger switch for the response to near-infrared light and sun, which realized the remotely multistage shape memory performance, demonstrating the potential application of ENR in the field of actuators without environmental pollution.

Biobased Inks Based on Cuttlefish Ink and Cellulose Nanofibers for Biodegradable Patterned Soft Actuators.

Soft actuators with stimuli-responsive and reversible deformations have shown great promise in soft robotics. However, some challenges remain in existing actuators, such as the materials involved derived from nonrenewable resources, complex and nonscalable preparation methods, and incapability of complex and programmable deformation. Here, a biobased ink based on cuttlefish ink nanoparticles (CINPs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) was developed, allowing for the preparation of biodegradable patterned actuators by direct ink writing technology. The hybrid CNF/CINP ink displays good rheological properties, allowing it to be accurately printed on a variety of flexible substrates. A bilayer actuator was developed by printing an ink layer on a biodegradable poly(lactic acid) film using extrusion-based 3D printing technology, which exhibits reversible and large bending behavior under the stimuli of humidity and light. Furthermore, programmable and reversible folding and coiling deformations in response to stimuli have been achieved by adjusting the ink patterns. This work offers a fast, scalable, and cost-effective strategy for the development of biodegradable patterned actuators with programmable shape-morphing.

From biomaterials to biotherapy: cuttlefish ink with protoporphyrin IX nanoconjugates for synergistic sonodynamic-photothermal therapy.

Biologically produced nanomaterials capable of therapeutic purposes have received increasing interest in tumor therapy because of their intrinsic biocompatibility. In this study, we made cuttlefish ink (extracted from cuttlefish) and protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) nanoconjugates (CIPs) where PpIX was an endogenous organic compound. In the case of CIPs, PpIX could be triggered by ultrasound (US) for sonodynamic therapy (SDT), and the cuttlefish ink could be excited by a near-infrared laser for photothermal therapy (PTT). Thereafter, tumor growth was greatly inhibited through synergistic SDT-PTT in comparison to single SDT or PTT. In addition, in vivo administration of CIPs showed no noticeable side effects for mouse blood and chief organs, providing an effective strategy for developing biologically produced biomaterials and using them for biotherapy.

Cuttlefish ink nanoparticles-integrated aerogel membranes for efficient solar steam generation

Cuttlefish inks offer nano-solar-absorbers for obtaining freshwater through interfacial evaporation.

Cuttlefish ink nanoparticles against oxidative stress: Alleviation of TBHP-induced oxidative damage in Caco-2 cells and DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in C57BL/6

In this study, we investigated the protective effects of cuttlefish ink nanoparticles (CINP) against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced oxidative stress in human colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) and their underlying mechanisms. In vitro results showed that CINP reduced apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial membrane potential. It also inhibited the expression levels of the oxidation indicators lactate dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde and increased the expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in TBHP-induced Caco-2 cells. In vivo experiments showed that CINP ameliorated DSS-induced weight loss, colon shortening, and histopathological changes. In addition, CINP increased the enzymatic activities of SOD, CAT, and glutathione peroxidase and the levels of the anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10. It also inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory factors interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin-1β. In summary, CINP attenuated TBHP-induced Caco-2 oxidative stress and DSS-induced UC through its antioxidant effects.

Sensory Characteristics of Flavour Improvement in Squid and Cuttlefish Ink Hydrolysates by Maillard Reaction

Sensory Characteristics of Flavour Improvement in Squid and Cuttlefish Ink Hydrolysates by Maillard Reaction

Antioxidant Activity of an Aqueous Extract of Cuttlefish Ink during Fish Muscle Heating.

The antioxidant effect of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) ink (CFI) was analysed in the present study. A model system consisting of minced seabream (Sparus aurata) muscle and different concentrations of an aqueous extract of CFI was subjected to a heat (50 °C) treatment for 12 days. The effects of the CFI content and the heating time on lipid oxidation (conjugated diene (CD), conjugated triene (CT), and peroxide values and fluorescent compound formation), hydrolysis (free fatty acid content) development, and changes in the fatty acid (FA) profile (polyene index (PI), unsaturated FA content, ω3/ω6 ratio) were determined. The addition of the aqueous extract of CFI led to a lower (p < 0.05) development of lipid oxidation (CD, CT, and fluorescent compound determination) and to a higher (p < 0.05) retention of unsaturated FAs (PI determination). More important effects were found with increased CFI concentrations and at advanced heating times. However, a definite effect on lipid hydrolysis development (FFA value) could not be inferred. A new approach for the beneficial use of cuttlefish ink is presented. According to the direct relationship between rancidity stability and nutritional and sensory values, the present study provides a new strategy for the quality enhancement of thermally treated seafood.

Deep-penetration functionalized cuttlefish ink nanoparticles for combating wound infections with synergetic photothermal-immunologic therapy

The challenge of wound infections post-surgery and open trauma caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria poses a constant threat to clinical treatment. As a promising antimicrobial treatment, photothermal therapy can effectively resolve the problem of drug resistance in conventional antibiotic antimicrobial therapy. Here, we report a deep-penetration functionalized cuttlefish ink nanoparticle (CINP) for photothermal and immunological therapy of wound infections. CINP is decorated with zwitterionic polymer (ZP, namely sulfobetaine methacrylate-methacrylate copolymer) to form CINP@ZP nanoparticles. Natural CINP is found to not only exhibit photothermal destruction of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), but also trigger macrophages-related innate immunity and enhance their antibacterial functions. The ZP coating on the surface of CINP enables nanoparticles to penetrate into deeply infected wound environment. In addition, CINP@ZP is further integrated into the thermosensitive Pluronic F127 gel (CINP@ZP-F127). After in situ spraying gel, CINP@ZP-F127 is also documented notable antibacterial effects in mice wound models infected with MRSA and E. coli. Collectively, this approach combining of photothermal therapy with immunotherapy can promote delivery efficiency of nanoparticles to the deep foci of infective wounds, and effectively eliminate wound infections.

Efficient recovery of highly viscous crude oil spill by superhydrophobic ocean biomass-based aerogel assisted with solar energy

The crude oil spills is one of the crucial ocean environmental disaster. The low fluidity of high-viscosity crude oil poses significant challenges for its penetration into conventional porous adsorption materials. Fortunatelly, the viscosity of crude oil is especially temperature-sensitive, leading to the extensive research on porous materials that utilize solar heat for heat generation. In this work, we propose a biodegradable marine bio-based aerogel (PDMS-Ink@CS) with aligned channel structure via directional freeze casting technique, primarily composed of chitosan and cuttlefish ink. The PDMS-Ink@CS demonstrates excellent photothermal conversion and oil adsorption performance. We systematically investigated the effects of sunlight intensity and pore structure on the viscosity-reduction and adsorption rate of crude oil. Under simulated sunlight intensity of 1 kW m−2, the surface temperature of PDMS-Ink@CS aerogel reaches approximately 70 ℃ within 60 s, allowing to absorb crude oil 18 times its weight and recover via extrusion. When combined with a vacuum pump device, the PDMS-Ink@CS aerogel realizes the continuous recovery of crude oil from the seawater surface. Moreover, the separation efficiency of PDMS-Ink@CS aerogel for W/O emulsions can reach 99 %, which greatly broadens its range of applications. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the PDMS-Ink@CS aerogel biodegrades within 30 days without causing environmental pollution. Thus, this super-hydrophobic ocean biomass-based chitosan aerogel exhibits vast potential for oil spill recovery applications.

Optimization of Caviar-Like Hydrogel Beads Containing Melanin-Free Cuttlefish Ink: Physicochemical Characterization

ABSTRACT MFI was extracted from cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) and used as a colorant, flavoring, and bioactive compound in caviar-like hydrogel beads. The production parameters, including alginate, salt (NaCl), MFI concentration, and pH, were optimized using response surface methodology. The physicochemical properties of beads produced at optimum conditions (NaCl: 2%, alginate: 1.25%, pH: 8.12, and MFI: 1.39%) were compared with commercial lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) caviar. The analyses showed no significant difference between caviar-like beads and commercial lumpfish caviar. These results suggest that caviar-like beads produced under optimum conditions can be commercialized at low cost to provide an opportunity for sustainable aquaculture.

POTENSI TINTA GURITA (OCTOPUS SP.) SEBAGAI IMUNOSTIMULAN PADA UDANG VANAME (LITOPENAEUS VANNAMEI)

Vaname shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) is an export commodity from the fisheries sub-sector which has high economic value. The development of aquaculture systems from traditional to intensive has the potential for disease attacks. Control of the spread of the disease must be done as early as possible, one method of prevention is using immunostimulants. An alternative source of immunostimulants that can be used to increase the immune system of shrimp is octopus (Octopus sp.) ink. Octopus ink is generally not used or thrown away when the octopus meat is processed. Research on octopus ink is also minimal compared to squid ink and cuttlefish ink. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the potential of octopus ink as an immunostimulant for vaname shrimp. It is known that the content of octopus ink consists mostly of alkaloids, melanin, amino acids, and carboxylic acids. Octopus ink has various roles based on its compound content such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiretroviral, anticancer, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory, antivirus, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-proliferative. From the results of the literature study, it is explicitly necessary to carry out further research to find out more complete compounds content in octopus ink so that its potential as an immunostimulant in vaname shrimp cultivation can be identified more clearly.

A Fe2(SO4)3-assisted approach towards green synthesis of cuttlefish ink–derived carbon nanospheres for high-performance supercapacitors

The conversion of renewable biomass resources into advanced electrode materials through green, simple, and economical methods has become an important research direction in energy storage. In this study, Fe-decorated N/S-codoped porous carbon nanospheres have been successfully fabricated from cuttlefish ink through Fe2(SO4)3-assisted hydrothermal carbonization coupled with heat treatment. The effects of Fe2(SO4)3 dosage on the structure, chemical composition, and capacitive property of carbon nanospheres were investigated. Herein, environmentally friendly Fe2(SO4)3 plays a multifunctional role as the graphitization catalyst, dopant, and morphology-regulating agent. Benefitting from the moderate graphitization degree, great heteroatom content and hierarchical porous structure, the prepared carbon nanospheres exhibit high specific capacitance (311.9 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1), good rate capability (19.1% decrease in specific capacitance as current density increases from 0.5 to 10 A g−1), and ideal cycling stability (94.3% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles). In addition, the symmetric supercapacitor assembled with the carbon nanosphere electrodes achieves an energy density of 9.7 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 0.25 kW kg−1 and maintains 91.3% capacitance after 10,000 cycles. The desirable electrochemical performance of cuttlefish ink–derived carbon nanosphere material makes it a potential electrode candidate for supercapacitors.

Optical absorption and dichroism of single melanin nanoparticles.

Melanin nanoparticles (NPs) have important biological functions including photoprotection and colouration, and artificial melanin-like NPs are relevant for catalysis, drug delivery, diagnosis and therapy. Despite their importance, the optical properties of single melanin NPs have not been measured. We combine quantitative differential interference contrast (qDIC) and extinction microscopy to characterise the optical properties of single NPs, both naturally sourced from cuttlefish ink, as well as synthetic NPs using polydopamine (PDA) and L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA). Combining qDIC with extinction, we determine the absorption index of individual NPs. We find that on average the natural melanin NPs have a higher absorption index than the artificial melanin NPs. From the analysis of the polarisation-dependent NP extinction, the NP aspect ratio is determined, with mean values at 405 nm wavelength in agreement with transmission electron microscopy. At longer wavelengths, we observe an additional optical anisotropy which is attributed to dichroism by structural ordering of the melanin. Our quantitative analysis yields a dichroism of 2-10% of the absorption index, increasing with wavelength from 455 nm to 660 nm for L-DOPA and PDA. Such an in-depth quantification of the optical properties of single melanin NPs is important for the design and future application of these ubiquitous bionanomaterials.

Experimental investigation on the photothermal conversion performance of cuttlefish ink nanofluids for direct absorption solar collectors

As a typical renewable energy source, solar energy is important in addressing current energy challenges. The combination of nanofluids and direct absorption solar collectors is an efficient approach to harness solar energy. This study utilized cuttlefish ink, which is a natural biomass material, to prepare deionized water-based cuttlefish ink nanofluids using a two-step method, and the thermal conductivity and optical properties of nanofluids were systematically investigated. The results showed that the addition of cuttlefish ink nanoparticles improves the heat transfer and optical absorption abilities of the base fluid. Furthermore, photothermal conversion experiments on cuttlefish ink nanofluids were performed using a solar simulator and natural sunlight. When the mass fraction was 0.02 %, the cuttlefish ink nanofluid achieved a maximum overall photothermal efficiency of 60.2 % under solar simulator irradiation, which was 52.0 % higher than that of deionized water. Moreover, the maximum temperature rise of cuttlefish ink nanofluids under natural sunlight was 33 °C, corresponding to an increase of 17.4 °C compared to that of deionized water. Cuttlefish ink is low-cost, easily available, and environmentally friendly. This study suggests that cuttlefish ink nanofluids are promising candidates for direct absorption solar collectors systems.

A high-efficient and stable artificial superoxide dismutase based on functionalized melanin nanoparticles from cuttlefish ink for food preservation

Natural superoxide dismutase (SOD), consisting of proteins and metal cofactors, is widely used in food preservation because of its good antioxidant activity. However, due to the poor stability of SOD enzyme, its activity was reduced in the process of moving into the film, resulting in limited application. Based on the structure of the active site of the natural enzyme, Cu2+ was used to functionalize the melanin nanoparticles (NMPs) in ink of cuttlefish, and an SOD-like nanozyme (Cu-NMPs) with high stability, high activity and strong free radical scavenging capacity was constructed. In order to apply the constructed simulated enzyme to food preservation, the simulated enzyme was embedded into carrageenan (Carr) films to prepare the composite film for food packaging. The results showed that when the concentration of Cu-NMPs was 10 μg/mL, the ·O2– rate could reach more than 80 %, the activity exceeded that of 60 U/mL natural SOD. In addition, the fresh-keeping test of cherry tomatoes showed that Carr/Cu-NMPs composite film extended the storage time of cherry tomatoes by more 3 days. Therefore, the present work showed that nanozymes with advanced catalytic capabilities can be constructed by metal ions and NMPs, thus successfully combined with food packaging for food preservation.

“From food waste to food supervision”-Cuttlefish Ink Natural Nanoparticles-Driven Dual-mode Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Advancing Point-of-Care Tests

Apart from the obvious benefit of “trash-to-treasure”, the acquisition of natural nanomaterials from cheap and renewable waste has been intensively researched because of various bioactivities and physical-chemical features. Herein, for the first time, we employed natural cuttlefish ink nanoparticles (CINPs) as a multifunctional label and designed colorimetric-photothermal dual-mode lateral flow immunoassays (CINPs-mediated CPLFIA) for sensitive detection of clenbuterol (CL). The accessibility and renewability of CINPs overcome barriers that artificial nanomaterials face, such as complex manufacturing and relatively high costs. Additionally, inspired by the mussel adhesion, the bio-affinity of CINPs, such as antibody coupling and preservation, was investigated and showed to be considerably superior to Au NPs, leading to significantly increased immunosensor sensitivity. Meanwhile, CINPs exhibit excellent photothermal conversion efficiency for dual-signal production, avoiding the effect of environmental elements (particularly light) for colorimetric mode. Besides, the biosensor was integrated with a smartphone and a thermal imager for portable sensing. After optimization, the detection limit of CINPs-mediated CPLFIA was 0.179 ng mL−1 (colorimetric mode) and 0.076 ng mL−1 (photothermal mode), which were significantly lower than traditional gold nanoparticles-based LFIA (0.786 ng mL−1). This research attempted to explain the rise in sensitivity. From food waste to food supervision, this research explores the hidden value of natural resources.