title: 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.
authors: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland St., Oberlin, OH 44074, USA. Jason.Belitsky@Oberlin.edu
authors: Jason M
authors: JM
authors: Belitsky
authors: Micah Z
authors: MZ
authors: Ellowitz
authors: Diane
authors: D
authors: Lye
authors: Alexander L
authors: AL
authors: Kilbo
mesh_terms: D002738:Chloroquine / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D003224:Congo Red / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008543:Melanins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D058105:Polymerization / Q000187:drug effects*; D054852:Small Molecule Libraries / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D008543:Melanins; D054852:Small Molecule Libraries; C041877:eumelanin; D003224:Congo Red; D002738:Chloroquine