1
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Eom T, Ozlu B, Ivanová L, Lee S, Lee H, Krajčovič J, Shim BS. Multifunctional Natural and Synthetic Melanin for Bioelectronic Applications: A Review. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:5489-5511. [PMID: 39194016 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Emerging material interest in bioelectronic applications has highlighted natural melanin and its derivatives as promising alternatives to conventional synthetic conductors. These materials, traditionally noted for their adhesive, antioxidant, biocompatible, and biodegradable properties, have barely been used as conductors due to their extremely low electrical activities. However, recent studies have demonstrated good conductive properties in melanin materials that promote electronic-ionic hybrid charge transfer, attributed to the formation of an extended conjugated backbone. This review examines the multifunctional properties of melanin materials, focusing on their chemical and electrochemical synthesis and their resulting structure-property-function relationship. The wide range of bioelectronic applications will also be presented to highlight their importance and potential to expand into new design concepts for high-performance electronic functional materials. The review concludes by addressing the current challenges in utilizing melanin for biodegradable bioelectronics, providing a perspective on future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taesik Eom
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inharo, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, South Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inharo, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, South Korea
- KIURI Center for Hydrogen Based Next Generation Mechanical System, Inha University, 36 Gaetbeol-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21999, South Korea
| | - Busra Ozlu
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inharo, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, South Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inharo, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, South Korea
| | - Lucia Ivanová
- Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 118, CZ-612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Seunghyeon Lee
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inharo, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, South Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inharo, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, South Korea
| | - HyeonJeong Lee
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inharo, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, South Korea
| | - Jozef Krajčovič
- Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 118, CZ-612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Bong Sup Shim
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inharo, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, South Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inharo, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, South Korea
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2
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Krebsbach P, Rincón-Iglesias M, Pietsch M, Henel C, Lanceros-Mendez S, Phua JW, Ambrico M, Hernandez-Sosa G. Inkjet-Printed Bio-Based Melanin Composite Humidity Sensor for Sustainable Electronics. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:42555-42565. [PMID: 39086207 PMCID: PMC11332400 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c06596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
A lack of sustainability in the design of electronic components contributes to the current challenges of electronic waste and material sourcing. Common materials for electronics are prone to environmental, economic, and ethical problems in their sourcing, and at the end of their life often contribute to toxic and nonrecyclable waste. This study investigates the inkjet printing of flexible humidity sensors and includes biosourced and biodegradable materials to improve the sustainability of the process. Humidity sensors are useful tools for monitoring atmospheric conditions in various fields. Here, an aqueous dispersion of black soldier fly melanin was optimized for printing with a cosolvent and deposited onto interdigitated silver electrodes on flexible substrates. Impedance spectroscopy demonstrated that adding choline chloride increased the ion concentration and AC conductivity by more than 3 orders of magnitude, resulting in a significant improvement in sensing performance and reduced hysteresis. The devices exhibit fast detection (0.8 ± 0.5 s) and recovery times (0.8 ± 0.3 s), with a 170 ± 40-fold decrease in impedance for relative humidity changes from 30% to 90%. This factor is lowered upon prolonged exposure to high humidity in tests over 72 h during which a stable operation is reached. The low embodied energy of the sensor, achieved through material-efficient deposition and the use of waste management byproducts, enhances its sustainability. In addition, approaches for reusability and degradability are presented, rendering the sensor suitable for wearable or agricultural applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Krebsbach
- Light
Technology Institute, Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology, Engesserstr. 13, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- InnovationLab, Speyerer Straße 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mikel Rincón-Iglesias
- Light
Technology Institute, Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology, Engesserstr. 13, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- InnovationLab, Speyerer Straße 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- BCMaterials,
Basque Center for Materials, Bldg. Martina
Casiano, UPV/EHU Science Park Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Manuel Pietsch
- Light
Technology Institute, Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology, Engesserstr. 13, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- InnovationLab, Speyerer Straße 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carmen Henel
- Light
Technology Institute, Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology, Engesserstr. 13, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- InnovationLab, Speyerer Straße 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez
- BCMaterials,
Basque Center for Materials, Bldg. Martina
Casiano, UPV/EHU Science Park Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science Plaza Euskadi 5, Bilbao 48009, Spain
| | - Jun Wei Phua
- Insectta
Pte Ltd., 77 Ayer Rajah
Crescent, 139954 Singapore
| | - Marianna Ambrico
- National
Research Council of Italy, Institute for
Plasma Science and Technology (CNR- ISTP), Via Amendola 122/D, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Gerardo Hernandez-Sosa
- Light
Technology Institute, Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology, Engesserstr. 13, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- InnovationLab, Speyerer Straße 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute
of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe
Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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3
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Motovilov KA, Mostert AB. Melanin: Nature's 4th bioorganic polymer. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:5635-5651. [PMID: 39012013 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00491d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The pigments known as the melanins are widely recognized for their responsibility in the coloration of human skin, eyes, hair, and minimising the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet radiation. But specialists are aware that the melanins are present in all living kingdoms, barring viruses, and have functionality that extends beyond neutralizing ionising radiation. The ubiquitous presence of melanin in almost all human organs, recognized in recent years, as well as the presence of melanin in organisms that are evolutionarily distant from each other, indicate the fundamental importance of this class of material for all life forms. In this review, we argue for the need to accept melanins as the fourth primordial class of biological polymers, along with nucleic acids, proteins and polysaccharides. We consistently compare the properties of these canonical biological polymers with the properties of melanin and highlight key features that fundamentally distinguish melanins, their function and its mysteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Motovilov
- Center for Photonics and 2D Materials, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutsky Lane 9, Dolgoprudny 141701, Moscow Region, Russia.
| | - A B Mostert
- Department of Physics and Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials, Swansea University Bay Campus, Fabian Way, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK
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4
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Uva A, Michailovich S, Hsu NSY, Tran H. Degradable π-Conjugated Polymers. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:12271-12287. [PMID: 38656104 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The integration of next-generation electronics into society is rapidly reshaping our daily interactions and lifestyles, revolutionizing communication and engagement with the world. Future electronics promise stimuli-responsive features and enhanced biocompatibility, such as skin-like health monitors and sensors embedded in food packaging, transforming healthcare and reducing food waste. Imparting degradability may reduce the adverse environmental impact of next-generation electronics and lead to opportunities for environmental and health monitoring. While advancements have been made in producing degradable materials for encapsulants, substrates, and dielectrics, the availability of degradable conducting and semiconducting materials remains restricted. π-Conjugated polymers are promising candidates for the development of degradable conductors or semiconductors due to the ability to tune their stimuli-responsiveness, biocompatibility, and mechanical durability. This perspective highlights three design considerations: the selection of π-conjugated monomers, synthetic coupling strategies, and degradation of π-conjugated polymers, for generating π-conjugated materials for degradable electronics. We describe the current challenges with monomeric design and present options to circumvent these issues by highlighting biobased π-conjugated compounds with known degradation pathways and stable monomers that allow for chemically recyclable polymers. Next, we present coupling strategies that are compatible for the synthesis of degradable π-conjugated polymers, including direct arylation polymerization and enzymatic polymerization. Lastly, we discuss various modes of depolymerization and characterization techniques to enhance our comprehension of potential degradation byproducts formed during polymer cleavage. Our perspective considers these three design parameters in parallel rather than independently while having a targeted application in mind to accelerate the discovery of next-generation high-performance π-conjugated polymers for degradable organic electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azalea Uva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Sofia Michailovich
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Nathan Sung Yuan Hsu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Helen Tran
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
- Acceleration Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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5
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Brizuela Guerra N, Morais Lima JV, Nozella NL, Boratto MH, Paulin JV, Graeff CFDO. Electrochemical Doping Effect on the Conductivity of Melanin-Inspired Materials. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:2186-2196. [PMID: 38466818 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c01166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Eumelanin is a natural pigment that can be particularly valuable for sustainable bioelectronic devices due to its inherent biocompatibility and hydration-dependent conductivity. However, the low conductivity of eumelanin limits its technological development. In this research, electrochemical doping was proposed as an alternative route to increase the electronic conductivity of synthetic eumelanin derivatives. Thin films of sulfonated eumelanin were deposited on platinum interdigitated electrodes and electrochemically treated by using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry treatments. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed ion doping in sulfonated melanin. Current-voltage, current-time, and electrochemical impedance measurements were used to investigate the effect of different aqueous electrolytes (including KCl and LiClO4) treatments on the charge transport of sulfonated eumelanin. We show that the conductivity depends on the type and size of the anion used and can reach 10-3 S·cm-1. Additionally, depending on the electrolyte, there is a change in charge transport from mixed ionic/electronic to a predominantly electronic-only conduction. Our results show that the chemical nature of the ion plays an important role in the electrochemical doping and, consequently, in the charge transport of eumelanin. These insights serve as inspiration to explore the use of alternative electrolytes with different compositions further and develop eumelanin-based devices with tunable conductivities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayrim Brizuela Guerra
- Department of Physics and Meteorology, School of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil
| | - João Victor Morais Lima
- Department of Physics and Meteorology, School of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil
| | - Natan Luis Nozella
- Department of Physics and Meteorology, School of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil
| | - Miguel Henrique Boratto
- Department of Physics and Meteorology, School of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil
| | - João Vitor Paulin
- Department of Physics and Meteorology, School of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil
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6
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Niyonkuru D, Camus A, Reali M, Gao Z, Shadrack DM, Butyaev O, Surtchev M, Santato C. A nanoscale study of the structure and electrical response of Sepia eumelanin. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:5295-5300. [PMID: 37767035 PMCID: PMC10521209 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00355h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Eumelanin, the brown-black member of the melanin biopigment family, is a prototype material for sustainable (green) organic electronics. Sepia eumelanin (Sepia) is a type of biosourced eumelanin extracted from the ink sac of cuttlefish. Electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy images of Sepia show distinguishable near spherical granules with diameters of about 150-200 nm. We have recently reported on predominant electronic transport in printed films of Sepia formulated inks including the (insulating) binder Polyvinyl-butyral (PVB). In that work, we proposed that inter-granular percolative transport, observed for micrometric interelectrode distances, is promoted by the confining action of the PVB binder on the Sepia granules. Considering that inter-granular transport implies intra-granular transport, in this work we proceeded to a nanoscale study of Sepia granules by High Resolution Atomic Force Microscopy (HR-AFM) and Conductive-AFM (c-AFM). We have observed protrusions on the surface of the Sepia granules, suggesting sub-granular structures compatible with the hierarchical development of Sepia, as proposed elsewhere. For films of Sepia formulated inks deposited on gold-coated substrates, c-AFM revealed, for the very first time, a nanoscale electrical response. Nanoscale studies provide the key to structure-property relationships in biosourced materials strategic for sustainable organic electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieudonné Niyonkuru
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montréal C.P. 6079, Succ. Centre-Ville Montréal QC H3C3A7 Canada
| | - Anthony Camus
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montréal C.P. 6079, Succ. Centre-Ville Montréal QC H3C3A7 Canada
| | - Manuel Reali
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montréal C.P. 6079, Succ. Centre-Ville Montréal QC H3C3A7 Canada
| | - Zhaojing Gao
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montréal C.P. 6079, Succ. Centre-Ville Montréal QC H3C3A7 Canada
| | - Daniel M Shadrack
- Department of Chemistry, St. John's University of Tanzania P.O. Box 47 Dodoma Tanzania
| | - Oleg Butyaev
- NT-MTD Spectrum Instruments 5861 S Kyrene Rd#19 Tempe AZ 85283 USA
| | - Marko Surtchev
- NT-MTD Spectrum Instruments 5861 S Kyrene Rd#19 Tempe AZ 85283 USA
| | - Clara Santato
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montréal C.P. 6079, Succ. Centre-Ville Montréal QC H3C3A7 Canada
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7
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Paulin JV, Bayram S, Graeff CFO, Bufon CCB. Exploring the Charge Transport of a Natural Eumelanin for Sustainable Technologies. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:3633-3637. [PMID: 37676251 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Eumelanin, the main quinone-based biomaterial of the melanin family of compounds, is emerging as a model for medical and sustainable electronic interfaces due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and transducing abilities. The study utilizes current-voltage measurements and impedance/dielectric spectroscopy under a controlled hydration atmosphere to investigate the charge transport of eumelanin produced from the S. parvus BSB49 strain. We show no differences in the electrical response in highly hydrated conditions compared to the standard synthetic eumelanin. Hence, our findings provide the groundwork to assess the potential use of this natural eumelanin in sustainable organic (bio)electronic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- João V Paulin
- School of Sciences, Department of Physics and Meteorology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru, SP 17033-360, Brazil
| | - Sinan Bayram
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Bayburt University, 69000 Bayburt, Turkey
| | - Carlos F O Graeff
- School of Sciences, Department of Physics and Meteorology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru, SP 17033-360, Brazil
- School of Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Materials Science and Technology (POSMAT), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru, SP 17033-360, Brazil
| | - Carlos C B Bufon
- School of Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Materials Science and Technology (POSMAT), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru, SP 17033-360, Brazil
- Mackenzie Evangelical Faculty of Paraná, Curitiba, PR 80730-000, Brazil
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8
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Terranova ML. Prominent Roles and Conflicted Attitudes of Eumelanin in the Living World. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097783. [PMID: 37175490 PMCID: PMC10178024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Eumelanin, a macromolecule widespread in all the living world and long appreciated for its protective action against harmful UV radiation, is considered the beneficial component of the melanin family (ευ means good in ancient Greek). This initially limited picture has been rather recently extended and now includes a variety of key functions performed by eumelanin in order to support life also under extreme conditions. A lot of still unexplained aspects characterize this molecule that, in an evolutionary context, survived natural selection. This paper aims to emphasize the unique characteristics and the consequent unusual behaviors of a molecule that still holds the main chemical/physical features detected in fossils dating to the late Carboniferous. In this context, attention is drawn to the duality of roles played by eumelanin, which occasionally reverses its functional processes, switching from an anti-oxidant to a pro-oxidant behavior and implementing therefore harmful effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Letizia Terranova
- Dipartimento Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Roma, Italy
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9
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Brash DE, Goncalves LCP. Chemiexcitation: Mammalian Photochemistry in the Dark †. Photochem Photobiol 2023; 99:251-276. [PMID: 36681894 PMCID: PMC10065968 DOI: 10.1111/php.13781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Light is one way to excite an electron in biology. Another is chemiexcitation, birthing a reaction product in an electronically excited state rather than exciting from the ground state. Chemiexcited molecules, as in bioluminescence, can release more energy than ATP. Excited states also allow bond rearrangements forbidden in ground states. Molecules with low-lying unoccupied orbitals, abundant in biology, are particularly susceptible. In mammals, chemiexcitation was discovered to transfer energy from excited melanin, neurotransmitters, or hormones to DNA, creating the lethal and carcinogenic cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer. That process was initiated by nitric oxide and superoxide, radicals triggered by ultraviolet light or inflammation. Several poorly understood chronic diseases share two properties: inflammation generates those radicals across the tissue, and cells that die are those containing melanin or neuromelanin. Chemiexcitation may therefore be a pathogenic event in noise- and drug-induced deafness, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's; it may prevent macular degeneration early in life but turn pathogenic later. Beneficial evolutionary selection for excitable biomolecules may thus have conferred an Achilles heel. This review of recent findings on chemiexcitation in mammalian cells also describes the underlying physics, biochemistry, and potential pathogenesis, with the goal of making this interdisciplinary phenomenon accessible to researchers within each field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas E. Brash
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8040, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8028, USA
| | - Leticia C. P. Goncalves
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8040, USA
- Institut de Chimie de Nice CNRS UMR7272, Université Côte d’Azur, 28 Avenue Valrose 06108 Nice, France
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10
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Kuttan SP, Abdulaziz A, Chekidhenkuzhiyil J, Raj D, Mohan M, Athiyanathil S. Characterization of pyomelanin secreted by Shewanella sp. and their application in metal recovery. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:6705-6715. [PMID: 36006536 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22686-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Melanin is a biopolymer with versatile structural and functional properties and diverse applications in recovering toxic chemicals from water and wastewater, biomedical imaging, and as theragnostic agent. We report the structural characterization and biosynthetic pathway of an extracellular pyomelanin secreted by a sponge-associated bacterium, Shewanella sp. (Shewanella-melanin), and their potential application in metal recovery from liquid. Pyomelanin particles of > 50 µm size were found in the culture medium within 48 h of growth, which were formed through the self-polymerization of benzoquinone molecule produced through homogentisic acid pathway. The aspC and hppD genes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of pyomelanin were detected in the whole genome sequence of Shewanella sp. The FT-IR spectra of Shewanella-melanin, at ~ 3300-3420 cm-1 corresponding to the stretching vibration of -NH and -OH, was in good agreement with that of Sepia melanin, while its elemental composition (C/N/H/S of 29.2:8.23:6.41:1.58) was unique. Shewanella-melanin showed ~ 300 and ~ 950 times increased chelation of manganese and iron from a liquid medium supplemented with 2 mM of MnSO4 and FeSO4, respectively, compared to a control. The FT-IR spectrum showed the binding of metal ions to the carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, and amine groups of Shewanella-melanin. The Shewanella-melanin, with its excellent metal biosorption, could be a potential candidate for removing toxic compounds from water, in turn contributing to the fulfillment of sustainable development goal (SDG) 6.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anas Abdulaziz
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Kochi, Dr. Salim Ali Road, Kochi, Kerala, 682 018, India.
| | - Jasmin Chekidhenkuzhiyil
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Kochi, Dr. Salim Ali Road, Kochi, Kerala, 682 018, India
| | - Devika Raj
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Kochi, Dr. Salim Ali Road, Kochi, Kerala, 682 018, India
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Priyadarsini Hills, Kottayam, Kerala, 686 560, India
| | - Sujith Athiyanathil
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala, 673 601, India
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11
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Lino V, Manini P, Galeotti M, Salamone M, Bietti M, Crescenzi O, Napolitano A, d'Ischia M. Antioxidant Activities of Hydroxylated Naphthalenes: The Role of Aryloxyl Radicals. Chempluschem 2023; 88:e202200449. [PMID: 36680302 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202200449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Herein is delineated a first systematic framework for the definition of structure-antioxidant property relationships in the dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) series. The results obtained by a combined experimental and theoretical approach revealed that 1,8-DHN is the best performing antioxidant platform, with its unique hydrogen-bonded peri-hydroxylation pattern contributing to a fast H atom transfer process. Moreover, the comparative analysis of the antioxidant properties of DHNs carried out by performing DPPH and FRAP assays and laser flash photolysis experiments, revealed the higher antioxidant power associated with an α-substitution pattern (i. e. in 1,8- and 1,6-DHN) with respect to DHNs exhibiting a β-substitution pattern (i. e. in 2,6- and 2,7-DHN). DFT calculations and isolation and characterization of the main oligomer intermediates formed during the oxidative polymerization of DHNs supported this evidence by providing unprecedented insight into the generation and fate of the intermediate naphthoxyl radicals, which emerged as the main factor governing the antioxidant activity of DHNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Lino
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Paola Manini
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Galeotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Salamone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Bietti
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Orlando Crescenzi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandra Napolitano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco d'Ischia
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Napoli, Italy
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12
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Boivin L, Dupont W, Gendron D, Leclerc M. Biosourced Monomers: Toward Sustainable Conjugated Polymers for Organic Electronics. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.202200378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louis‐Philippe Boivin
- Department of Chemistry Université Laval 1045 Av. de la Médecine Québec QC G1V 0A6 Canada
| | - William Dupont
- Department of Chemistry Université Laval 1045 Av. de la Médecine Québec QC G1V 0A6 Canada
| | - David Gendron
- Kemitek Cégep de Thetford 835 Rue Mooney O Thetford Mines QC G6G 0A5 Canada
| | - Mario Leclerc
- Department of Chemistry Université Laval 1045 Av. de la Médecine Québec QC G1V 0A6 Canada
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D’Amora U, Soriente A, Ronca A, Scialla S, Perrella M, Manini P, Phua JW, Ottenheim C, Di Girolamo R, Pezzella A, Raucci MG, Ambrosio L. Eumelanin from the Black Soldier Fly as Sustainable Biomaterial: Characterisation and Functional Benefits in Tissue-Engineered Composite Scaffolds. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112945. [PMID: 36428512 PMCID: PMC9687302 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An optimized extraction protocol for eumelanins from black soldier flies (BSF-Eumel) allows an in-depth study of natural eumelanin pigments, which are a valuable tool for the design and fabrication of sustainable scaffolds. Here, water-soluble BSF-Eumel sub-micrometer colloidal particles were used as bioactive signals for developing a composite biomaterial ink for scaffold preparation. For this purpose, BSF-Eumel was characterized both chemically and morphologically; moreover, biological studies were carried out to investigate the dose-dependent cell viability and its influence on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), with the aim of validating suitable protocols and to find an optimal working concentration for eumelanin-based scaffold preparation. As proof of concept, 3D printed scaffolds based on methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MEHA) and BSF-Eumel were successfully produced. The scaffolds with and without BSF-Eumel were characterized in terms of their physico-chemical, mechanical and biological behaviours. The results showed that MEHA/BSF-Eumel scaffolds had similar storage modulus values to MEHA scaffolds. In terms of swelling ratio and stability, these scaffolds were able to retain their structure without significant changes over 21 days. Biological investigations demonstrated the ability of the bioactivated scaffolds to support the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo D’Amora
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, 80135 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Soriente
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, 80135 Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Ronca
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, 80135 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Stefania Scialla
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, 80135 Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Perrella
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, 80135 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Manini
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Bioelectronics Task Force, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Jun Wei Phua
- Insectta, 60 Jalan Penjara, Singapore 149375, Singapore
| | | | - Rocco Di Girolamo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pezzella
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, 80135 Naples, Italy
- Bioelectronics Task Force, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Department of Physics “E. Pancini”, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Raucci
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, 80135 Naples, Italy
- Bioelectronics Task Force, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Ambrosio
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, 80135 Naples, Italy
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14
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Gouda A, Masson A, Hoseinizadeh M, Soavi F, Santato C. Biosourced quinones for high-performance environmentally benign electrochemical capacitors via interface engineering. Commun Chem 2022; 5:98. [PMID: 36697677 PMCID: PMC9814668 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-022-00719-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Biosourced and biodegradable organic electrode materials respond to the need for sustainable storage of renewable energy. Here, we report on electrochemical capacitors based on electrodes made up of quinones, such as Sepia melanin and catechin/tannic acid (Ctn/TA), solution-deposited on carbon paper engineered to create high-performance interfaces. Sepia melanin and Ctn/TA on TCP electrodes exhibit a capacitance as high as 1355 mF cm-2 (452 F g-1) and 898 mF cm-2 (300 F g-1), respectively. Sepia melanin and Ctn/TA symmetric electrochemical capacitors operating in aqueous electrolytes exhibit up to 100% capacitance retention and 100% coulombic efficiency over 50,000 and 10,000 cycles at 150 mA cm-2 (10 A g-1), respectively. Maximum power densities as high as 1274 mW cm-2 (46 kW kg-1) and 727 mW cm-2 (26 kW kg-1) with maximum energy densities of 0.56 mWh cm-2 (20 Wh kg-1) and 0.65 mWh cm-2 (23 Wh kg-1) are obtained for Sepia melanin and Ctn/TA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelaziz Gouda
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montreal, C.P. 6079, Succ. Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3A7, Canada.
- Now at, Solar Fuels Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, M5S 3H6, Canada.
| | - Alexandre Masson
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montreal, C.P. 6079, Succ. Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Molood Hoseinizadeh
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montreal, C.P. 6079, Succ. Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Francesca Soavi
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Via Selmi, 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Clara Santato
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montreal, C.P. 6079, Succ. Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3A7, Canada.
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15
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Bosch D, Wang J, Blancafort L. Fingerprint-based deep neural networks can model thermodynamic and optical properties of eumelanin DHI dimers. Chem Sci 2022; 13:8942-8946. [PMID: 36091209 PMCID: PMC9365084 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc02461f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Eumelanin is the biopolymer responsible for photoprotection in living beings and holds great promise as a smart biomaterial, but its detailed structure has not been characterized experimentally. Theoretical models are urgently needed to improve our knowledge of eumelanin's function and exploit its properties, but the enormous amount of possible oligomer components has made modelling not possible until now. Here we show that the stability and lowest vertical optical absorption of 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI) eumelanin dimer components can be modeled with deep neural networks, using fingerprint-like molecular representations as input. In spite of the modest data set size, average errors of only 6 and 9% for stability and S1 absorption energy are obtained. Our fingerprints code the connectivity and oxidation patterns of the dimers in a straightforward, unambiguous way and can be extended to larger oligomers. This proof-of-principle work shows that machine learning can be applied to help solve the structural challenge of melanin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bosch
- Departament de Química, Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi, Universitat de Girona. Facultat de Ciències C/M. A. Capmany 69 17003 Girona Spain
| | - Jun Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Chemistry of Low-Dimensional Materials, Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Environment Functional Materials, Huaiyin Normal University No. 111 West Changjiang Road Huaian 223300 Jiangsu P. R. China
| | - Lluís Blancafort
- Departament de Química, Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi, Universitat de Girona. Facultat de Ciències C/M. A. Capmany 69 17003 Girona Spain
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16
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High conductivity Sepia melanin ink films for environmentally benign printed electronics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2200058119. [PMID: 35914170 PMCID: PMC9371694 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200058119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanins (from the Greek μέλας, mélas, black) are bio-pigments ubiquitous in flora and fauna. Eumelanin is an insoluble brown-black type of melanin, found in vertebrates and invertebrates alike, among which Sepia (cuttlefish) is noteworthy. Sepia melanin is a type of bio-sourced eumelanin that can readily be extracted from the ink sac of cuttlefish. Eumelanin features broadband optical absorption, metal-binding affinity and antioxidative and radical-scavenging properties. It is a prototype of benign material for sustainable organic electronics technologies. Here, we report on an electronic conductivity as high as 10-3 S cm-1 in flexographically printed Sepia melanin films; such values for the conductivity are typical for well-established high-performance organic electronic polymers but quite uncommon for bio-sourced organic materials. Our studies show the potential of bio-sourced materials for emerging electronic technologies with low human- and eco-toxicity.
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17
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Mostert AB. The importance of water content on the conductivity of biomaterials and bioelectronic devices. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:7108-7121. [PMID: 35735112 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00593j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Conductive biocompatible-, bioinspired- and biomaterials are increasing in importance, especially in bioelectronic applications where these materials are used in a variety of devices. Given the intended purpose of many of these devices is to interface with the human body, a pertinent issue is the effect of water from the environment on the electrical properties of the materials and devices. A researcher on biomaterials may currently not be aware, but the conductivity of these materials and device performances can be significantly altered with the presence of hydration in the environment. Examples will be given to highlight the problem that the conductivity of biomaterials can change by orders of magnitude depending on water content. Furthermore, case studies will be discussed in which control of the water content was key to understanding the underlying charge transport mechanism of conductive biomaterials. Examples of various devices and their response to hydration content will also be covered. Finally, this perspective will also mention the various methods of hydration control (including contrast studies) that can be used to perform careful work on conductive biomaterials and devices. Overall, water content should be considered an environmental variable as important as temperature to control for sound scientific investigation and to yield understanding of conductive biomaterials and bioelectronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bernardus Mostert
- Department of Physics, Swansea University, Singleton Park, SA2, 8PP, Wales, UK.
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18
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Bedran ZV, Zhukov SS, Abramov PA, Tyurenkov IO, Gorshunov BP, Mostert AB, Motovilov KA. Water-Activated Semiquinone Formation and Carboxylic Acid Dissociation in Melanin Revealed by Infrared Spectroscopy. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:4403. [PMID: 34960952 PMCID: PMC8705668 DOI: 10.3390/polym13244403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Eumelanin is a widespread biomacromolecule pigment in the biosphere and has been widely investigated for numerous bioelectronics and energetic applications. Many of these applications depend on eumelanin's ability to conduct proton current at various levels of hydration. The origin of this behavior is connected to a comproportionation reaction between oxidized and reduced monomer moieties and water. A hydration-dependent FTIR spectroscopic study on eumelanin is presented herein, which allows for the first time tracking the comproportionation reaction via the gradual increase of the overall aromaticity of melanin monomers in the course of hydration. We identified spectral features associated with the presence of specific "one and a half" C𝌁O bonds, typical for o-semiquinones. Signatures of semiquinone monomers with internal hydrogen bonds and that carboxylic groups, in contrast to semiquinones, begin to dissociate at the very beginning of melanin hydration were indicated. As such, we suggest a modification to the common hydration-dependent conductivity mechanism and propose that the conductivity at low hydration is dominated by carboxylic acid protons, whereas higher hydration levels manifest semiquinone protons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakhar V. Bedran
- Center for Photonics and 2D Materials, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institute Lane 9, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (Z.V.B.); (S.S.Z.); (P.A.A.); (I.O.T.); (B.P.G.)
| | - Sergey S. Zhukov
- Center for Photonics and 2D Materials, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institute Lane 9, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (Z.V.B.); (S.S.Z.); (P.A.A.); (I.O.T.); (B.P.G.)
| | - Pavel A. Abramov
- Center for Photonics and 2D Materials, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institute Lane 9, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (Z.V.B.); (S.S.Z.); (P.A.A.); (I.O.T.); (B.P.G.)
| | - Ilya O. Tyurenkov
- Center for Photonics and 2D Materials, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institute Lane 9, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (Z.V.B.); (S.S.Z.); (P.A.A.); (I.O.T.); (B.P.G.)
| | - Boris P. Gorshunov
- Center for Photonics and 2D Materials, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institute Lane 9, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (Z.V.B.); (S.S.Z.); (P.A.A.); (I.O.T.); (B.P.G.)
| | - A. Bernardus Mostert
- Department of Chemistry, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK;
| | - Konstantin A. Motovilov
- Center for Photonics and 2D Materials, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institute Lane 9, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (Z.V.B.); (S.S.Z.); (P.A.A.); (I.O.T.); (B.P.G.)
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19
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Martinez-Gonzalez JA, Cavaye H, McGettrick JD, Meredith P, Motovilov KA, Mostert AB. Interfacial water morphology in hydrated melanin. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:7940-7952. [PMID: 34378618 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00777g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The importance of electrically functional biomaterials is increasing as researchers explore ways to utilise them in novel sensing capacities. It has been recognised that for many of these materials the state of hydration is a key parameter that can heavily affect the conductivity, particularly those that rely upon ionic or proton transport as a key mechanism. However, thus far little attention has been paid to the nature of the water morphology in the hydrated state and the concomitant ionic conductivity. Presented here is an inelastic neutron scattering (INS) experiment on hydrated eumelanin, a model bioelectronic material, in order to investigate its 'water morphology'. We develop a rigorous new methodology for performing hydration dependent INS experiments. We also model the eumelanin dry spectra with a minimalist approach whereas for higher hydration levels we are able to obtain difference spectra to extract out the water scattering signal. A key result is that the physi-sorbed water structure within eumelanin is dominated by interfacial water with the number of water layers between 3-5, and no bulk water. We also detect for the first time, the potential signatures for proton cations, most likely the Zundel ion, within a biopolymer/water system. These new signatures may be general for soft proton ionomer systems, if the systems are comprised of only interfacial water within their structure. The nature of the water morphology opens up new questions about the potential ionic charge transport mechanisms within hydrated bioelectronics materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Martinez-Gonzalez
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Didcot, OX11 0QX, UK
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21
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Di Mauro E, Rho D, Santato C. Biodegradation of bio-sourced and synthetic organic electronic materials towards green organic electronics. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3167. [PMID: 34039966 PMCID: PMC8154894 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23227-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitous use of electronic devices has led to an unprecedented increase in related waste as well as the worldwide depletion of reserves of key chemical elements required in their manufacturing. The use of biodegradable and abundant organic (carbon-based) electronic materials can contribute to alleviate the environmental impact of the electronic industry. The pigment eumelanin is a bio-sourced candidate for environmentally benign (green) organic electronics. The biodegradation of eumelanin extracted from cuttlefish ink is studied both at 25 °C (mesophilic conditions) and 58 °C (thermophilic conditions) following ASTM D5338 and comparatively evaluated with the biodegradation of two synthetic organic electronic materials, namely copper (II) phthalocyanine (Cu-Pc) and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Eumelanin biodegradation reaches 4.1% (25 °C) in 97 days and 37% (58 °C) in 98 days, and residual material is found to be without phytotoxic effects. The two synthetic materials, Cu-Pc and PPS, do not biodegrade; Cu-Pc brings about the inhibition of microbial respiration in the compost. PPS appears to be potentially phytotoxic. Finally, some considerations regarding the biodegradation test as well as the disambiguation of "biodegradability" and "bioresorbability" are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Di Mauro
- Département de Génie Physique, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Denis Rho
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council Canada, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | - Clara Santato
- Département de Génie Physique, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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Mostert AB. Melanin, the What, the Why and the How: An Introductory Review for Materials Scientists Interested in Flexible and Versatile Polymers. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:1670. [PMID: 34065580 PMCID: PMC8161012 DOI: 10.3390/polym13101670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, western society is facing challenges to create new medical technologies to service an aging population as well as the ever-increasing e-waste of electronic devices and sensors. A key solution to these challenges will be the use of biomaterials and biomimetic systems. One material that has been receiving serious attention for its biomedical and device applications is eumelanin. Eumelanin, or commonly known as melanin, is nature's brown-black pigment and is a poly-indolequinone biopolymer, which possess unique physical and chemical properties for material applications. Presented here is a review, aimed at polymer and other materials scientists, to introduce eumelanin as a potential material for research. Covered here are the chemical and physical structures of melanin, an overview of its unique physical and chemical properties, as well as a wide array of applications, but with an emphasis on device and sensing applications. The review is then finished by introducing interested readers to novel synthetic protocols and post synthesis fabrication techniques to enable a starting point for polymer research in this intriguing and complex material.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bernardus Mostert
- Department of Chemistry, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Wales SA2 8PP, UK
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