Site-specific in situ synthesis of eumelanin nanoparticles by an enzymatic autodeposition-like process

Biomacromolecules. 2015 May 11;16(5):1608-13. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.5b00187. Epub 2015 Apr 9.

Abstract

A method for in situ formation and controlled deposition of eumelanin nanoparticles is presented. The particles are built up by enzymatic reaction of l-DOPA with tyrosinase. The enzyme is tethered onto the support surface to get site-specific deposition of eumelanin. Due to the immediate deposition, the particles are monodisperse, with diameters of about 30-60 nm. Up to now, eumelanin particles have only been observed with sizes of about 200 nm. Deposition of those particles is site-specific on the areas where enzyme is present and results in different kinds of patterns on the support surface, including versatile monolayer structures.

MeSH terms

  • Levodopa / chemistry
  • Melanins / chemical synthesis
  • Melanins / chemistry*
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase / chemistry
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*

Substances

  • Melanins
  • eumelanin
  • Levodopa
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase