Melanins as Sustainable Resources for Advanced Biotechnological Applications

Galeb, Hanaa A.; Wilkinson, Emma L.; Stowell, Alison; Lin, Hungyen; Murphy, Samuel T.; Martin‐Hirsch, Pierre L.; Mort, Richard L.; Taylor, Adam Michael; Hardy, John G.

doi:10.1002/gch2.202000102

Cited by 17 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 671 publications

(679 reference statements)

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“…Additionally, the effect of fungal melanin on other immune and non-immune cells is still elusive and should be experimentally addressed. Melanin has been suggested to have applications that could impact diverse aspects of life, ranging from remediation of nuclear contamination [ 133 ] to space travel [ 134 ].…”

Section: Open Questions In Melanin Biologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Fungal Melanin and the Mammalian Immune System

Liu

Youngchim

Zamith-Miranda

et al. 2021

JoF

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Melanins are ubiquitous complex polymers that are commonly known in humans to cause pigmentation of our skin. Melanins are also present in bacteria, fungi, and helminths. In this review, we will describe the diverse interactions of fungal melanin with the mammalian immune system. We will particularly focus on Cryptococcus neoformans and also discuss other major melanotic pathogenic fungi. Melanin interacts with the immune system through diverse pathways, reducing the effectiveness of phagocytic cells, binding effector molecules and antifungals, and modifying complement and antibody responses.

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Section: Open Questions In Melanin Biologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Fungal Melanin and the Mammalian Immune System

Liu

Youngchim

Zamith-Miranda

et al. 2021

JoF

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“…[20] The polymerization of melanins [21] yields species with high molecular weights and often the formation of insoluble pigment [22] (the formation of which is proposed to proceed via a nucleation and growth mechanism), [23] and the structures, properties, and applications of natural and synthetic melanins have been reviewed. [11,21,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30] Pyomelanins and ochronotic pigment formation can be driven enzymatically or indeed via autopolymerization in the presence of oxygen in a variety of prokaryotic/eukaryotic species. Eukaryotic organisms contain a variety of enzymes in varying concentrations in different intracellular/extracellular environments, and therefore studies to understand the polymerization of HGA in various conditions may offer insight into the deposition of pyomelanin pigmentation in various tissues (of importance for diseases like alkaptonuria).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Polymerization of Homogentisic Acid In Vitro as a Model for Pyomelanin Formation

Galeb

Lamantia

Robson

et al. 2022

Macro Chemistry & Physics

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Melanins are a class of biopolymers that are widespread in nature, with diverse origins, compositions, and functions, and their chemical and optoelectronic properties render them potentially useful for application in materials science for various biotechnological applications. For patients with alkaptonuria, the accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA) in their bodies is associated with the concomitant deposition of pyomelanin, which is a pigment that contains significant amounts of polymerized HGA (polyHGA) in the bodily tissues of the patients. The polymerization of HGA under various different conditions in vitro is investigated using a selection of different analytical chemistry techniques to understand if there may be a correlation between the conditions and pigment deposition in vivo, and their potential for application as green/sustainable and components of electronic devices.

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“…Research projects at various points throughout curricula (particularly capstone projects) offer academics an opportunity to contribute to MITT activities in (potentially niche) topics of direct interest to themselves and/or the students (i.e., student-centered learning, which helps students to direct their learning of course material toward an outcome that is directly relevant to them [e.g., project management skills]). − Such MITT research projects embedded in curricula can deliver positive short- and long-term impacts, including increased collaborative research, ,,,,,,− increased research impact, ,,,,,,− increased grant income, ,,,, increased student employability by training the next generation of research-active academics to comfortably work at disciplinary interfaces, ,, societal impact by delivering graduates comfortable in the changing workplace, ,,,, and economic impact by supporting the economies they contribute to (e.g., by generation of intellectual property). ,,,,, Metrics associated with these factors have the potential to make the course and/or university more attractive to students and/or staff, which may have beneficial effects on the student and/or staff demographics, particularly when supported by mentoring initiatives (e.g., the US NSF Research Experience and Mentoring program). ,, …”

Section: Mitt Curriculum Development and Implementation Is A Challengementioning

confidence: 99%

Potential for Chemistry in Multidisciplinary, Interdisciplinary, and Transdisciplinary Teaching Activities in Higher Education

et al. 2021

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For some professionally, vocationally, or technically oriented careers, curricula delivered in higher education establishments may focus on teaching material related to a single discipline. By contrast, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary teaching (MITT) results in improved affective and cognitive learning and critical thinking, offering learners/students the opportunity to obtain a broad general knowledge base. Chemistry is a discipline that sits at the interface of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) subjects (and those aligned with or informed by STEMM subjects). This article discusses the significant potential of inclusion of chemistry in MITT activities in higher education and the real-world importance in personal, organizational, national, and global contexts. It outlines the development and implementation challenges attributed to legacy higher education infrastructures (that call for creative visionary leadership with strong and supportive management and administrative functions), and curriculum design that ensures inclusivity and collaboration and is pitched and balanced appropriately. It concludes with future possibilities, notably highlighting that chemistry, as a discipline, underpins industries that have multibillion dollar turnovers and employ millions of people across the world.

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Melanins as Sustainable Resources for Advanced Biotechnological Applications

Cited by 17 publications

References 671 publications

Fungal Melanin and the Mammalian Immune System

Fungal Melanin and the Mammalian Immune System

The Polymerization of Homogentisic Acid In Vitro as a Model for Pyomelanin Formation

Potential for Chemistry in Multidisciplinary, Interdisciplinary, and Transdisciplinary Teaching Activities in Higher Education

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