Melanin-Related Biomolecules: Synthesis, Properties and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Melanin is a natural pigment synthesized within living organisms such as animals, plants, and fungi. It mainly plays a role in determining skin color, hair, and eyes. There are two main forms of melanin: the black–brown pigment eumelanin (EM), and the reddish pigment pheomelanin (PM).

The biosynthetic precursor common to both kinds of melanin is tyrosine. Tyrosine is oxidized by the enzyme tyrosinase, producing an intermediate called dopaquinone (DQ). The latter is further oxidized to dopachrome, which is then gradually and spontaneously converted to dihydroxyindole compounds. EM is formed by the oxidative polymerization of these indole compounds. On the other hand, cysteinyldopa isomers (CDs) are produced by the rapid addition of cysteine to DQ. Oxidation of CDs by, for example, redox exchange with DQ, gives rise to the quinone forms of CDs. The cyclization and rearrangement of these quinones generate benzothiazine and benzothiazole intermediates that are then polymerized to PM.

Peculiar physical and chemical properties characterize melanin. Its main features are as follows:

1. Light absorption and scattering: Melanin absorbs and scatters light over a wide range of wavelengths. This helps to protect cells from damage caused by UV rays.
2. Antioxidant action: melanin, particularly EM, may act as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species produced by exposure to UV rays and environmental stress.

Based on its properties, melanin has found a wide range of applications in a variety of fields including UV protection, photoaging, skin aging, cosmetology, display technology, and the food industry.

Building upon all of the above considerations, this Special Issue welcomes original research manuscripts on the synthesis, properties, and applications of melanin-related biomolecules. Reviews describing the current state of the art are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Kazumasa Wakamatsu
Prof. Dr. Lucia Panzella
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomolecules is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• melanin
• skin aging
• hair color
• photoaging
• antioxidant action
• UV protection
• cosmetology
• display technology
• food industry