Small molecule modulators of aggregation in synthetic melanin polymerizations
Abstract
There are numerous potential applications for melanin-binding compounds, and new methods are of interest to identify melanin-binding agents. A portion of the polymerization to eumelanin, the black to brown pigment in humans, is thought to be supramolecular aggregation of nanoparticles derived from dihydroxyindoles. Starting with chloroquine, a known eumelanin-binding compound, the ability of small molecules to influence aggregation in synthetic eumelanin polymerizations was investigated. Twenty-eight compounds were tested, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, aromatics, and amines. Compounds that either accelerate or delay the appearance of macroscopic particles in synthetic eumelanin polymerizations were uncovered.
Repository Citation
Belitsky, Jason M., Micah Z. Ellowitz, Diane Lye, and Alexander L. Kilbo. 2012. "Small molecule modulators of aggregation in synthetic melanin polymerizations." Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 22(17): 5503-5507.
Publisher
Pergamon Press
Publication Date
9-1-2012
Publication Title
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Document Type
Article
DOI
https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.07.027
Notes
This paper is dedicated to Professor J. Fraser Stoddart on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
Keywords
Melanin, Eumelanin, Aggregation, Chloroquine, Congo red
Language
English
Format
text
