none 10.31254/phyto.2026.15202 BioMed Research Publishers BioMed Research Publishers 16195 193583304 316921 20260420131520875 10.31254 2026-04-20T13:15:26Z 2026-04-20T13:15:26Z 0 The Journal of Phytopharmacology J Phytopharmacol 2320480X 10.31254/phyto https://phytopharmajournal.com/ 04 17 2026 15 2 Shalini Pandey Dr. C.V. Raman University, Kota, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur, Raipur- 493225, Chhattisgarh, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4260-4377 Rahul Waghaye Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Chhattisgarh, Raipur-493225, Chhattisgarh, India https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3098-8466 Pragya Shrivastava Assistant Professor, Sanjay Rungta, Rungta College of Science and Technology, Bhilai, Durg- 490024, Chhattisgarh, India https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4391-7611 Megha Agrawal Gurukul Mahila Mahavidyalaya Kalibadi Road Raipur- 492001, Chhattisgarh, India Arunima Sur Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Chhattisgarh, Raipur- 493225, Chhattisgarh, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1890-453X Background: Heavy metal contamination of aquatic systems, particularly by copper (Cu²⁺) and nickel (Ni²⁺), poses a serious environmental and public health challenge due to their toxicity, persistence, non-biodegradable nature, and tendency to bioaccumulate. Although conventional remediation techniques are available, they are often expensive, energy-intensive, and environmentally unsustainable, necessitating the development of eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of melanin-based hydrogels as efficient bio-derived adsorbents for the removal of Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions from aqueous solutions. Materials and Methods: Melanin was extracted from Thermothelomyces hinnuleus SP1 and incorporated into an agarose hydrogel matrix to improve structural stability and adsorption functionality. The swelling behaviour of the hydrogel was assessed to determine its water retention capacity. Adsorption experiments were conducted using 1 ppm solutions of Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ over a 36-hour period. Agarose-only hydrogels were used as controls. Metal ion uptake was monitored at regular time intervals to evaluate adsorption efficiency and kinetics. Results: The melanin-based hydrogel exhibited a high swelling ratio of 77%, indicating excellent water absorption and suitability for ion adsorption. Significantly higher metal ion adsorption was observed in melanin-incorporated hydrogels compared to controls. The hydrogel achieved 31.24% adsorption of Cu²⁺ and 17.65% adsorption of Ni²⁺, whereas agarose-only hydrogels showed only 5.66% and 7.59% uptake, respectively. Time-dependent studies revealed faster adsorption kinetics, with maximum uptake occurring at approximately 13 h for Cu²⁺ and 17 h for Ni²⁺. The enhanced adsorption performance was attributed to the presence of functional groups in melanin, such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amine groups, which facilitate strong metal ion chelation. Conclusion: Melanin-based hydrogels demonstrate significant potential as sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective adsorbents for heavy metal remediation. Their superior adsorption efficiency, favorable swelling characteristics, and bio-derived origin highlight their applicability in wastewater treatment and environmental cleanup. This study underscores the promise of fungal melanin hydrogels as an effective alternative to conventional heavy metal adsorbents. 04 17 2026 126 134 1 10.31254/biomed-crossmark-policy www.biomedresearch.org false 10.31254/phyto.2026.15202 https://phytopharmajournal.com/articles/abstracts/893/year=2026&vol=15&issue=2