From melanogenesis to melanin technologies
Noah Al‐Shamery, Dauren Biyashev, Lluı́s Blancafort, Anthony Camus, Nathan C. Gianneschi, Carlos F. O. Graeff, Bern Kohler, Shujie Li, Kurt Q. Lu, Jean‐Philip Lumb, Paola Manini, Maria E. McNamara, Paul Meredith, A. Bernardus Mostert, Toby L. Nelson, Buşra Özlü, Valentina Rossi, Farhana Shanta, Matthew D. Shawkey, Bong Sup Shim, Andrew J. Surman, Wanjie Xie, Clara Santato, Micaela Matta
Abstract
Melanins are a diverse family of natural pigments with a unique combination of optical, electronic, redox, and structural properties that challenge conventional chemical characterisation. This Perspective summarises key insights from the first international interdisciplinary meeting dedicated to melanin, held in Eastbourne, UK and sponsored by the Royal Society. The meeting brought together advances in melanogenesis, pigment evolution, molecular and supramolecular melanin characterisation, alongside emerging applications in energy storage, sensing, coatings, and biodegradable electronics. Here, we highlight the fragmentation of melanin research across disciplines and advocate for a unified, interdisciplinary approach to understanding melanin’s complex chemistry. By integrating perspectives from experts in biology, materials science, paleontology, device physics and chemistry, we propose a roadmap for future melanin research, towards melanin-based functional devices and technologies. Melanins are a diverse family of natural pigments with a unique combination of optical, electronic, redox, and structural properties that challenge conventional chemical characterisation. Here, the authors summarize insights from the first international interdisciplinary meeting dedicated to melanin and advocate for a unified approach to understanding melanin’s complex chemistry and advancing melanin-based technologies.