Fungal Melanins and their Potential Applications: A Review

Abstract

Melanins are complex molecules found in many organisms including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals that have protective functions against stress. In fungi there are several biochemical routes for their synthesis, and their diversity and structural complexity have made their analysis and characterization difficult. However, the possible specific functions of melanins in organisms have been determined. Based on their physicochemical properties, their potential in the application in various areas of interest and benefit of the human being have been visualized, such as in health and medicine, in bioremediation, and in the food industry. In this review, the type of melanins produced by fungi are discussed, as well as their main biological functions, the main biochemical routes involved in their synthesis, and potential applications in various areas. An important research area is visualized to find the best melanin-producing fungi as well as the conditions in which their production is maximized, in order to continue investigating the relationship of the structure of melanin with its biological functions as well as the determination of its physicochemical properties to establish its applications.

Keywords

• biological activity
• biosynthesis pathways
• fungi
• melanin