The Polymerization of Homogentisic Acid In Vitro as a Model for Pyomelanin Formation

• DOI: 10.1002/macp.202100489
• Publication Date: 2022-02-03T11:05:02Z
• Authors: 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
• Keywords: Homogentisic acid; Alkaptonuria; Deposition

Abstract Melanins are a class of biopolymers that widespread in nature, with diverse origins, compositions, and functions, their chemical optoelectronic properties render them potentially useful for application materials science various biotechnological applications. For patients alkaptonuria, the accumulation homogentisic acid (HGA) bodies is associated concomitant deposition pyomelanin, which pigment contains significant amounts polymerized HGA (polyHGA) bodily tissues patients. The polymerization under different conditions vitro investigated using selection analytical chemistry techniques to understand if there may be correlation between vivo, potential as green/sustainable components electronic devices.