Sustainable Bio Melanin Fiber Synthesized from Archaeological Soil to Bridge Cultural Heritage and Circular Textile Design

The escalating environmental and social crises driven by the global fast fashion industry necessitate a radical transition toward sustainable, bio-based textiles and circular economic models. This interdisciplinary study demonstrates the potential of an innovative biological material synthesized using prehistoric soil (dating back 1,100–2,660 years) from the Phi Man Cave archaeological site in highland Pang Mapha, Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. By integrating phenomenological theories with microbiological synthesis, this research explores the harmonious relationship between human cultural heritage and advanced material science. An experimental biological process was employed to synthesize bio-fiber and melanin pigment from soil-dwelling Streptomyces strains into a valuable, textile-grade bacterial cellulose. This biomaterial, featuring an inherent natural brown hue corresponding to human skin tones on the Fitzpatrick scale, was utilized to design contemporary ethnic garments. The resulting adornments communicate local wisdom, profound respect for ancestry, and the aesthetics of cultural identity while strictly embodying circular material design principles—utilizing clean technology, generating zero waste, and significantly reducing dependency on resource-intensive imported materials. Furthermore, the material successfully met the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) under the supervision of Thai Wacoal PCL, proving its structural viability. This innovation not only offers a highly sustainable eco-friendly substitute but also provides a commercial pathway to generate community-level job opportunities and promote a secure, sustainable economy aligned with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).