Unraveling the Biology, Chemistry and Nanoscience of Natural and Synthetic Melanins
Abstract
This program aims to develop rigorous understanding of the fundamental properties of the family of natural pigments known as melanins, and to harness this versatile, prolific but enigmatic organic polymer for the development of novel, advanced, multifunctional materials. This includes biosynthesis pathways, chemistry and morphology, and mimicry through engineering and materials science, using atomic to supra-molecular modeling as guidance. The hope is that the research will lead to the establishment of new methods of assembly to create functional arrays and structures that can be integrated into materials, providing them with unprecedented new properties, like optical, infrared, magnetic, biochemical to name a few.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 30, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810142
Entities
People
- Nathan C. Gianneschi
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of California, San Diego