Nature’s Palette – Creating art from the colours of living algae
What Are Algal Pigments?
Microalgae and seaweed produce a stunning range of natural pigments, including greens, reds, yellows, oranges, and even blues — all from photosynthetic compounds like:
- Chlorophylls (green)
- Phycobilins (blue and red)
- Carotenoids (orange, yellow, red)
- Fucoxanthin (olive-brown)
These pigments have been used in food colouring, cosmetics, textiles, and now — art!
Try Algae-Based Pigments!
Paint with colours made by algae! In this activity, we’re using natural pigments extracted from microalgae and seaweed to create safe, eco-friendly paints. Explore the science of colour while adding a splash of algae-powered style!
What You’ll Discover
- A hands-on station where you can paint with seaweed-based pigments
- A gallery of artworks made with algae pigments
- Microscopic views of the organisms that create these colours
- Real pigment extracts to see, smell, and touch
FAQs
What’s in the Paint?
Each paint is made with:
- Natural algae pigments (like chlorophyll, carotenoids, or phycocyanin)
- A plant-based, non-toxic base
- Optional sparkles or textures for fun finishes
Our team extracted the pigments from species like:
- Spirulina (blue-green)
- Haematococcus (red – orange)
- Ulva (bright green)
- Palmaria (red – purple)
- Fucus (yellow brown)
These colours are completely natural and show off the beauty of algae without any synthetic dyes.
How Are Pigments Extracted?
Pigments are drawn out using gentle processes:
- Drying to make powder
- Soaking dried algae in ethanol, acetone, or water
- Filtering to remove the algae and concentrating the coloured solution
- Pigments can be combined with natural binders like agar, gum arabic, or alginate to make bioinks for painting or even 3D printing.
Algal species for colour?
- Palmaria – A red seaweed, used for purples and soft pinks
- Ulva – A green seaweed with vibrant yellow-green tones
- Spirulina – A cyanobacteria producing phycocyanin and intense blue
- Haematococcus –A microalgae rich in carotenoids for orange/red hues
- Fucus – A brown seaweed, source of fucoxanthin for brown tones