Eumelanins and pheomelanins: characterization by electron spin resonance spectroscopy

Science. 1982 Aug 6;217(4559):545-7. doi: 10.1126/science.6283638.

Abstract

Synthetic dopa melanin and cysteinyldopa melanin have different electron spin resonance spectra. Data are reported for mixtures of these melanins and for dopa-cysteinyldopa copolymers, which are spectroscopically similar. A simple parameterization of the spectra allows estimation of the relative amounts of (i) dopa melanin and cysteinyldopa melanin in mixtures and of (ii) dopa and cysteinyldopa incorporated into copolymers. Several natural eumelanins and pheomelanins have been characterized and shown to be copolymers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cysteinyldopa / metabolism
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine / metabolism
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Melanins / analysis*
  • Melanins / metabolism
  • Polymers

Substances

  • Melanins
  • Polymers
  • pheomelanin
  • Cysteinyldopa
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine