Title
The Polymerization of Homogentisic Acid In Vitro as a Model for Pyomelanin Formation
Author
Hanaa A. Galeb, Angelo Lamantia, Alexander Robson, Katja König, Jonas Eichhorn, Sara J. Baldock, Mark D. Ashton, John V. Baum, Richard L. Mort, Benjamin J. Robinson, Felix H. Schacher, Victor Chechik, Adam M. Taylor, John G. Hardy
Year
2022
Journal
Macro Moldecular chemistry and physics
Abstract
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.
Instrument
LC-2000
Keywords
biopolymers, electronic devices