(188d) Optimizing Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability.” Mayan Pigments: Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Materials - Art, Science, Cancer

The Ancient Maya developed specialized pigments and produced a large quantity of magnificent murals and installations, during their classic period (AD 250 – 900). The most well known Mayan pigment is Azul Maya, (Maya Blue); which was used as a sacrificial paint on victims. It is very stable and virtually indestructible and has been termed, “one of the great technological and artistic achievements of Mesoamerica”.1 We have developed a complete understanding of Mayan pigments and have a company that produces Mayan Pigments for many applications.2 Mayan Pigments Inc. produces the materials (hybrid organic/inorganic compounds) consisting of an indigo derivative and Palygorskite, a common clay called Sacalum (Sacred Earth in Mayan) by the ancient Maya. The science is a detailed study of the manufacture and structure of Azul Maya, which has led to a series of new materials with an “Infinite Color Space”.3 Finally, we have discovered that the Mayan Pigments are very effective against various cancers in cell-based assays.4 This discovery is now under evaluation for human use. This discovery was fostered by a study of the ancient medicinal uses of indigo. A recent British article describes the use of indigo based Celtic war paint as possibly a cure for cancer.5 1. Field Museum, Centuries-old Maya Blue Mystery Finally Solved, Science Daily, February 28, 2008. 2. Polette, L.A., Ugarte, N., Yacaman, M.J., and Chianelli, R.R., Maya Blue, Discovering Archeology, 46-53, August 2000. 3. Polette-Niewold, L.A., Manciu, F.S., Torres, B., Alvarado Jr., M., and Chianelli, R.R., Organic/Inorganic Complex Pigments: Ancient Colors Maya Blue, J. Inorganic Biochemistry, 101, 1958-1973(2007). 4. Das, S. and Chianelli, R.R., Treatment of Cancer with Complex OrganicInorganic Pigment Compositions, 8,563,595 October 22, 2013. 5. Hall, C., Celts' warpaint may be weapon to beat cancer, The Telegraph, August 14, 2014, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/expathealth/4201066/Celtswarpaint-may-..., August 15