Issue 32, 2023

Melanin: insights into structure, analysis, and biological activities for future development

Abstract

Melanin, a widely distributed pigment found in various organisms, possesses distinct structures that can be classified into five main types: eumelanin (found in animals and plants), pheomelanin (found in animals and plants), allomelanin (found in plants), neuromelanin (found in animals), and pyomelanin (found in fungi and bacteria). In this review, we present an overview of the structure and composition of melanin, as well as the various spectroscopic identification methods that can be used, such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). We also provide a summary of the extraction methods of melanin and its diverse biological activities, including antibacterial properties, anti-radiation effects, and photothermal effects. The current state of research on natural melanin and its potential for further development is discussed. In particular, the review provides a comprehensive summary of the analysis methods used to determine melanin species, offering valuable insights and references for future research. Overall, this review aims to provide a thorough understanding of the concept and classification of melanin, its structure, physicochemical properties, and structural identification methods, as well as its various applications in the field of biology.

Graphical abstract: Melanin: insights into structure, analysis, and biological activities for future development

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
17 Mey 2023
Accepted
22 Jun 2023
First published
29 Jun 2023

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023,11, 7528-7543

Melanin: insights into structure, analysis, and biological activities for future development

W. Song, H. Yang, S. Liu, H. Yu, D. Li, P. Li and R. Xing, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023, 11, 7528 DOI: 10.1039/D3TB01132A

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements