ColoriQuo
Project Overview
University
Year
About
Food manufacturers seeking alternatives to synthetic dyes often find that natural colourants offer limited shades and can fade when exposed to heat or light. ColoriQuo uses plant-derived cellulose liquid crystals that self-assemble into microscopic structures, reflecting light to create colour without conventional pigments. Inspired by butterfly wings and beetle shells, the edible material can produce vivid, iridescent and pressure-responsive effects. Initially developed for confectionery, the biodegradable platform could reduce reliance on synthetic additives and support future applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, sustainable packaging and anti-counterfeiting.
Team
Hongning Ren
Dr Hongning Ren is a materials scientist and entrepreneur dedicated to transforming nature-inspired innovations into sustainable technologies. She earned her PhD in Nanomaterials from the University of Manchester in 2025, specialising in bio-inspired structural colour using cellulose-based materials. In 2023, she co-founded ColoriQuo with a vision to revolutionise the colour industry through sustainable, bio-based structural colourants. She is currently leading efforts to commercialise this innovative technology, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world applications.