Enzyme‐Mediated In Situ Synthesis and Deposition of Nonaggregated Melanin Protoparticles. Issue 7 (5th February 2016) - Strube, Oliver I.
Abstract : Enzymatic autodeposition of eumelanin is investigated with covalent immobilization of tyrosinase. The resulting melanin particles are rodlike with lengths down to 6 nm and form monolayer structures with film thicknesses of 5–8 nm. Isolated melanin structures of such small size have not been observed before and are possibly a kind of protoparticle in the supramolecular buildup of melanin oligomers. Abstract : The previously introduced process for enzyme‐mediated in situ synthesis and deposition of eumelanin is investigated with covalent immobilization of the tyrosinase. It results in a monolayer structure of non‐coalesced melanin particles, with a film thickness of 5–8 nm. The reaction is self‐terminating due to overlay of the enzymes with particles. The melanin particles are rodlike with lengths down to 6 nm. Isolated melanin structures of such small size have not been observed before and might be a kind of protoparticle in the supramolecular buildup of melanin oligomers. Utilization of melanin particles with such small size can enable nanotechnological applications in the areas of bioelectronics and biosensors.