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M8631

Sigma-Aldrich

Melanin

Synthetic

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About This Item

CAS Number:
EC Number:
MDL number:
UNSPSC Code:
12352204
NACRES:
NA.83

form

powder

storage temp.

−20°C

InChI

1S/C18H10N2O4/c1-5-13-9-7(3-19-13)12-10-8(11(9)17(23)15(5)21)4-20-14(10)6(2)16(22)18(12)24/h3-4,19-20H,1-2H3

InChI key

XUMBMVFBXHLACL-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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General description

Melanin is a vital pigment present on the surface structures of vertebrates, which contribute to skin color. It has three forms such as, eumelanin, pheomelanin and neuromelanin. Melanin has cation chelating and redox properties. It is a potent absorbent of light. Melanin functions as a chemoprotective and photoprotective pigment. Mutations in this gene are associated with oculocutaneous albinism, vitiligo, piebaldism and Waardenburg syndrome.

Application

Melanin has been used:
  • in spectrophotometry
  • to study its effect on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) inhibition and effect of BSA (bovine serum albumin) in overcoming the inhibition
  • as an absorber for skin layer in near-infrared tissue spectra
  • Raman spectroscopy

Preparation Note

Prepared by oxidation of tyrosine with hydrogen peroxide.

Storage Class Code

11 - Combustible Solids

WGK

WGK 1

Flash Point(F)

Not applicable

Flash Point(C)

Not applicable

Personal Protective Equipment

dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves

Certificates of Analysis (COA)

Search for Certificates of Analysis (COA) by entering the products Lot/Batch Number. Lot and Batch Numbers can be found on a product’s label following the words ‘Lot’ or ‘Batch’.

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Melanin
Riley PA
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 29(11), 1235-1239 (1997)
Bovine serum albumin reverses inhibition of RT-PCR by melanin
Giambernardi TA, et al.
Biotechniques, 25(4), 564-566 (1998)
Constant rate of steady-state self-antigen trafficking from skin to regional lymph nodes
Yoshino M, et al.
International Immunology, 18(11), 1541-1548 (2006)
Justyna M Drewnowska et al.
PloS one, 10(4), e0125428-e0125428 (2015-04-25)
Although melanin is known for protecting living organisms from harmful physical and chemical factors, its synthesis is rarely observed among endospore-forming Bacillus cereus sensu lato. Here, for the first time, we reported that psychrotolerant Bacillus weihenstephanensis from Northeastern Poland can
Zheng Wang et al.
Frontiers in microbiology, 4, 379-379 (2014-01-01)
Melanization due to the inactivation of the homogentisate-1,2-dioxygenase gene (hmgA) has been demonstrated to increase stress resistance, persistence, and virulence in some bacterial species but such pigmented mutants have not been observed in pathogenic members of the Vibrio Harveyi clade.

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