As a Cell Factory for the Production of Pyomelanin, a Molecule with UV-C Radiation Shielding Activity

Overview

Journal Front Microbiol

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2023 Aug 7

PMID 37547691

Authors

Stella Marie Koch

Carsten Freidank-Pohl

Oliver Siontas

Marta Cortesao

Afonso Mota

Katharina Runzheimer

Sascha Jung

Katarina Rebrosova

Martin Siler

Ralf Moeller

Vera Meyer

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Melanins are complex pigments with various biological functions and potential applications in space exploration and biomedicine due to their radioprotective properties. Aspergillus niger, a fungus known for its high radiation resistance, is widely used in biotechnology and a candidate for melanin production. In this study, we investigated the production of fungal pyomelanin (Pyo) in by inducing overproduction of the pigment using L-tyrosine in a recombinant Δ mutant strain (OS4.3). The Pyo pigment was characterized using three spectroscopic methods, and its antioxidant properties were assessed using a DPPH-assay. Additionally, we evaluated the protective effect of Pyo against non-ionizing radiation (monochromatic UV-C) and compared its efficacy to a synthetically produced control pyomelanin (Pyo). The results confirmed successful production of Pyo in through inducible overproduction. Characterization using spectroscopic methods confirmed the presence of Pyo, and the DPPH-assay demonstrated its strong antioxidant properties. Moreover, Pyo exhibited a highly protective effect against radiation-induced stress, surpassing the protection provided by Pyo. The findings of this study suggest that Pyo has significant potential as a biological shield against harmful radiation. Notably, Pyo is synthesized extracellularly, differing it from other fungal melanins (such as L-DOPA- or DHN-melanin) that require cell lysis for pigment purification. This characteristic makes Pyo a valuable resource for biotechnology, biomedicine, and the space industry. However, further research is needed to evaluate its protective effect in a dried form and against ionizing radiation.

Citing Articles

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