Fungal Peptidomelanin: A Novel Biopolymer for the Chelation of Heavy Metals
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
ACS Omega
Abstract
Melanin is an amorphous, highly heterogeneous polymer found across all kingdoms of life. Although the properties of melanin can greatly vary, most forms are insoluble and strongly absorb light, appearing dark brown to black. Here, we describe a water-soluble form of melanin (peptidomelanin) secreted by the spores of Aspergillus niger (strain: melanoliber) during germination. Peptidomelanin is composed of an insoluble L-DOPA core polymer that is solubilized via short, copolymerized heterogeneous peptide chains forming a “corona” with a mean amino acid length of 2.6 ± 2.3. Based on in vitro experiments, we propose a biochemical copolymerization mechanism involving the hydroxylation of tyrosynylated peptides. Peptidomelanin is capable of chelating heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and uranium (as uranyl) in large quantities. Preliminary data indicates that peptidomelanin may have applications for the remediation of heavy metals in situ, including in agricultural settings.
DOI
10.1021/acsomega.4c03704
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Recommended Citation
Kolipakala, Rakshita Sukruth; Basu, Suranjana; Sarkar, Senjuti; and Biju, Beneta Merin, "Fungal Peptidomelanin: A Novel Biopolymer for the Chelation of Heavy Metals" (2024). Open Access archive. 10816.
https://impressions.manipal.edu/open-access-archive/10816
