Melanin‐Inspired Chromophoric Microparticles Composed of Polymeric Peptide Pigments
Abstract
Melanin and related polyphenolic pigments are versatile functional polymers that serve diverse aesthetic and protective roles across the living world. These polymeric pigments continue to inspire the development of adhesive, photonic, electronic and radiation‐protective materials and coatings. The properties of these structures are dictated by covalent and non‐covalent interactions in ways that, despite progress, are not fully understood. It remains a major challenge to direct oxidative polymerization of their precursors (amino acids, (poly‐)phenols, thiols) toward specific structures. By taking advantage of supramolecular pre‐organization of tyrosine‐tripeptides and reactive sequestering of selected amino acids during enzymatic oxidation, we demonstrate the spontaneous formation of distinct new chromophores with optical properties that are far beyond the range of those found in biological melanins, in terms of color, UV absorbance and fluorescent emission.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Feb 24, 2021
- Source ID
- 10.1002/ange.202015170
Entities
People
- Ayala Lampel
- Deborah Sementa
- James M. Aramini
- Rein V Ulijn
- Salma Kassem
- Scott A McPhee
- Tlalit Massarano
- Ye He
Organizations
- City University of New York
- Hunter College
- Tel Aviv University
- United States Air Force