Unmet Need
Melanins are multifunctional pigments that have applications in numerous fields, including drug development, radioprotection, bioremediation, solar power, and cosmetics. Melanin pigments have broad optical absorption and are capable of absorbing ionizing radiation. Melanin pigments also have powerful antioxidant activity and are capable of binding to a broad range of chemical compounds. Importantly, radiation energy that is absorbed by melanin is effectively translated into heat, making it potentially useful in solar thermal energy systems. Melanin is produced by animals, plants, and microorganisms. In particular, melanin-producing microorganisms provide a sustainable source of natural melanin that could be used for large scale production. However, current approaches to isolate melanin from melanotic fungi require the use of laborious efforts to isolate the melanin coat from the cell wall of fungi. Consequently, simpler, cost effective methods of isolating melanin from fungi would have widespread utility in multiple industries.
Technology Overview
The inventors discovered that the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans secretes melanin granules into microbial culture supernatant. The inventors have developed a method of isolating melanin from the cell culture supernatants of fungi, including Cryptococcus neoformans. This method uses ultracentrifugation and filtration to purify melanin granules. The inventors have validated that these granules exhibit the characteristics of melanin. Additionally, the inventors developed a method of isolating melanin from cell walls that is quicker and has similar yield compared to existing, more laborious methods.
Stage of Development
The inventors have developed methods of isolating pure melanin from fungi cell walls and fungi supernatants.
Publication
J Biol Chem. 2019 May 22. pii: jbc.RA119.008684
US Patent Application
