Melanin‐based color variation in response to changing climates in snakes

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(7)

Published: June 28, 2024

Abstract Melanism, the process of heavier melanin deposition, can interact with climate variation at both micro and macro scales, ultimately influencing color evolution in organisms. While ecological processes regulating production relation to have been extensively studied, intraspecific variations melanism are seldom considered. Such scientific gap hampers our understanding how species adapt rapidly changing climates. For example, dark coloration may lead higher heat absorption be advantageous cool climates, but also hot environments as a UV or antimicrobial protection mechanism. To disentangle such opposing predictions, here we examined effect on shaping 150 barred grass snakes ( Natrix helvetica ) 383 green whip Hierophis viridiflavus across Italy. By utilizing melanistic morphs (charcoal picturata N. , charcoal abundistic H. compiling observations from 2002 2021, predicted that would optimize cold environments, while offering excessive radiation within warm habitats; whereas thrive humid which naturally denser vegetation wetter substrates producing darker ambient light, thus providing concealment advantages. did not align initial humidity expectations, morph is associated suggesting mechanisms against damaging solar radiation. high precipitations, might offer protection. Overall, results provide insights into correlations between melanin‐based variables snake populations. suggestive potential adaptive responses, future research should delve deeper underlying this relationship.

Language: Английский

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Molecular Engineering of Melanin for Enhanced Biological γ-ray Protection

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 14, 2025

The escalating utilization of ionizing radiation across medicine and industry, coupled with the relentless global nuclear rivalry, underscoring paramount urgency effective radioprotective materials. Conventional materials such as lead concrete are widely used, lead-free have also emerged to solve problems cumbersome toxic lead, metal-containing micro/nano polymers. Nevertheless, there is still a significant challenge in meeting urgent need for lightweight biocompatible alternatives. To tackle this challenge, work utilizes molecular engineering melanin develop panel novel metal-free enhanced conjugation, heightened physical shielding against antioxidant properties. Remarkably, engineered demonstrated unprecedented in vivo γ-ray protection, increasing mice survival from 0–100%.

Language: Английский

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Insights on the Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Melanogenic Effects of 2′-Hydroxy-2,6′-dimethoxychalcone in RAW 264.7 and B16F10 Cells

Current Issues in Molecular Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 47(2), P. 85 - 85

Published: Jan. 29, 2025

Chalcones are recognized for their diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-melanogenic effects. However, studies on 2′-hydroxy-2-methoxychalcone derivatives remain limited. This study investigated the melanin synthesis-inhibitory effects of three derivatives: 2′-hydroxy-2,4-dimethoxychalcone (2,4-DMC), 2′-hydroxy-2,5′-dimethoxychalcone (2,5′-DMC), 2′-hydroxy-2,6′-dimethoxychalcone (2,6′-DMC). In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, 2,6′-DMC demonstrated a superior inhibition nitric oxide (NO) production, pro-inflammatory cytokines, expression inducible synthase (iNOS) cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) compared to other derivatives. A mechanistic analysis revealed that modulates NF-κB MAPK signaling pathways attenuate inflammation. Additionally, exhibited significant α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced synthesis in B16F10 melanoma cells by downregulating tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, MITF expression. regulation was achieved through suppression Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT, MAPK, PKA/CREB pathways. Compared 2,4-DMC 2,5′-DMC, 2,6′-DMC’s structural configuration, characterized methoxy groups at 2- 6′-positions, contributed its enhanced molecular stability binding affinity, amplifying inhibitory primary skin irritation test confirmed minimal irritation, demonstrating safety dermal applications. These findings suggest holds promise as dual-function agent managing inflammatory conditions hyperpigmentation-related disorders.

Language: Английский

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Colorful photothermal photonic crystal cotton fabric based on melanin-like polycaffeic acid nanoparticles

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 141056 - 141056

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Enhancing Radiation Shielding Efficiency of Nigella sativa Eumelanin Polymer Through Heavy Metals Doping

Polymers, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(5), P. 609 - 609

Published: Feb. 25, 2025

Gamma radiation shielding is necessary for many applications; nevertheless, lead creates environmental risks. Eumelanin, a natural polymer, viable alternative, although its effectiveness limited to lower gamma-ray energy. This research looks at how doping the herbal eumelanin polymer (Nigella sativa) with heavy metals including iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) affects gamma characteristics. The inclusion of these considerably increases linear attenuation coefficient (μ) mass (μm) eumelanin, especially photon energies where photoelectric effect prominent. μ value pure 0.193 cm-1 59.5 keV. It goes up 0.309 cm-1, 0.420 0.393 when Fe, Cu, Zn are added, in that order. Similarly, coefficients increase from 0.153 cm2/g 0.230, 0.316, 0.302 Fe-, Cu-, Zn-doped samples. At intermediate higher (661.7 keV-to-1332.5 keV), Compton scattering main interaction, differences between samples not as noticeable, which means metal additions have less an effect. mean free path (MFP) protection efficiency (RPE) also show behaviors. For example, keV MFP drops 5.172 cm 3.244 Mel-Fe, 2.385 Mel-Cu, 2.540 Mel-Zn. RPE values go lot low energies. Cu-doped has highest 34.251%, while only 17.581%. However, all converge, suggesting more consistent performance. These findings suggest particularly effective enhancing energies, (Cu) providing most significant improvement overall, making composites suitable applications requiring enhanced

Language: Английский

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Characterization of melanin from the fungus Scolecobasidium Musae and its antioxidant and photoprotective properties

Archives of Microbiology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 207(4)

Published: March 6, 2025

Language: Английский

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Recent Advances of Sustainable UV Shielding Materials: Mechanisms and Applications

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 15, 2025

The escalating global threat of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is manifested through multifaceted damage pathways including cutaneous carcinogenesis, photodegradation organic substrates, marine ecosystem destabilization, and infrastructure weathering. These urgent challenges have catalyzed sustained interdisciplinary efforts toward advanced UV-shielding technologies spanning biomedical, environmental, industrial domains. Current material arsenals include melanin, lignin, tannin, polydopamine, zinc oxide titanium dioxide, etc. materials can be applied to diverse fields such as food packaging, sunscreen fabrics, creams, eyeglasses, films tailored processing techniques employing distinct photoprotective mechanisms. Notwithstanding significant progress, the development an integrated selection framework that reconciles efficiency, durability, environmental compatibility persists a critical knowledge gap. In this context, main mechanisms various types UV shielding their applications in different are described systematically. Subsequently, comparative analysis advantages shortcomings presented, focusing on efficiency stability impact. Moreover, review delves into unique value specific scenarios. Finally, building these analyses, current future prospects further discussed, with emphasis scalability, eco-friendly alternatives, multifunctional integration, providing valuable insights guidance for advancing research promoting sustainable functional innovations field.

Language: Английский

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Inkjet-Printed Bio-Based Melanin Composite Humidity Sensor for Sustainable Electronics

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(32), P. 42555 - 42565

Published: Aug. 1, 2024

A lack of sustainability in the design electronic components contributes to current challenges waste and material sourcing. Common materials for electronics are prone environmental, economic, ethical problems their sourcing, at end life often contribute toxic nonrecyclable waste. This study investigates inkjet printing flexible humidity sensors includes biosourced biodegradable improve process. Humidity useful tools monitoring atmospheric conditions various fields. Here, an aqueous dispersion black soldier fly melanin was optimized with a cosolvent deposited onto interdigitated silver electrodes on substrates. Impedance spectroscopy demonstrated that adding choline chloride increased ion concentration AC conductivity by more than 3 orders magnitude, resulting significant improvement sensing performance reduced hysteresis. The devices exhibit fast detection (0.8 ± 0.5 s) recovery times 0.3 s), 170 40-fold decrease impedance relative changes from 30% 90%. factor is lowered upon prolonged exposure high tests over 72 h during which stable operation reached. low embodied energy sensor, achieved through material-efficient deposition use management byproducts, enhances its sustainability. In addition, approaches reusability degradability presented, rendering sensor suitable wearable or agricultural applications.

Language: Английский

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Microenvironment Responsive Biomineralization Nanofirework Employing H₂S-Assisted Photothermal Therapy to Prompt Bacterial Wound Healing

ACS Applied Nano Materials, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 7(17), P. 20678 - 20689

Published: Aug. 17, 2024

Infected wounds present a complex challenge characterized by the dual problems of bacterial overgrowth and delayed healing. Conventional treatments have yet to address these issues concurrently effectively. In response this, we developed nanofirework, ZnS/CuS@BSA (BSA, bovine serum albumin), synthesized via biomineralization process. This nanocomposite is designed for hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-assisted photothermal therapy (PTT) targeting infections in wounds. Upon exposure 808 nm laser irradiation, CuS component nanofirework efficiently converts light energy into heat, which denatures bacteria wound. Simultaneously, acidic environment at wound site catalyzes controlled release H2S from ZnS component. released not only inhibits peroxidase activity, increases levels reactive oxygen species (ROS), but also enhances cell migration proliferation, accelerating healing Furthermore, concurrent zinc ions (Zn2+) compromises membrane integrity, enhancing overall antibacterial efficacy nanocomposite. Both vitro vivo studies substantiated capability significantly promote proliferation inhibit growth, thereby facilitating rapid infected innovative approach, integrating with PTT through biomineralized offers promising antibiotic-free strategy. It has potential enhance treatment wounds, presenting synergistic antimicrobial effect.

Language: Английский

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Engineered Microbial Platform Confers Resistance against Heavy Metals via Phosphomelanin Biosynthesis

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Aug. 23, 2024

Environmental concerns are increasingly fueling interest in engineered living materials derived from microbial sources. Melanin biosynthesis microbes, particularly facilitated by recombinant tyrosinase expression, offers sustainable protection for the habitat of microorganisms against severe environmental stressors. However, there exists a vast urgency to optimize these platforms, which will amplify their protective capabilities, integrate multifaceted functions, and thereby expand utility effectiveness. In our work, we have genetically platforms capable endogenously biosynthesizing phosphomelanin, unique phosphorus-bearing melanin featured its distinctive phosphate phosphonate groups. The ability heterogeneously biosynthesize phosphomelanin endows microbes with enhanced resistance heavy metals, thus safeguarding survival adverse conditions. Furthermore, upgraded integrating PET-degrading enzymes, achieving effective integrated management metallized plastic waste. This platform, biosynthetic presents significant opportunities engage bioengineering manufacturing, potentially serving as next-generation guardians global ecological challenges.

Language: Английский

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