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Molecular engineering of melanin for enhanced biological γ-ray protection

Author

Listed:
  • Ruotong Deng

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Wei Chen

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Hanjie Zhu

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Yuxi Li

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Yining Ou

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Jian Wang

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Qing Ruan

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Xuanying Zhang

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Junbo Zhang

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Yongxian Zhang

    (Beijing Tongren Hospital)

  • Yantao Niu

    (Beijing Tongren Hospital)

  • Zhubin Hu

    (East China Normal University)

  • Chunlei Zhang

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Huaping Xu

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Wei Cao

    (Beijing Normal University)

Abstract

The escalating utilization of ionizing radiation across medicine and industry underscored the paramount urgency of effective radioprotective materials. Conventional materials such as lead and concrete are widely used, and lead-free materials have also emerged to solve the problems of cumbersome and toxic lead, such as metal-containing micro/nano materials and polymers. Nevertheless, there is still a significant challenge in meeting the urgent need for lightweight and biocompatible alternatives. To tackle this challenge, this work utilizes molecular engineering of melanin to develop a panel of metal-free melanin materials with enhanced conjugation, heightened physical shielding against radiation and effective antioxidant properties. Furthermore, engineered melanin materials demonstrated in vivo γ-ray protection, increasing mice survival from ~12% to 100% after 6 Gy total body irradiation.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruotong Deng & Wei Chen & Hanjie Zhu & Yuxi Li & Yining Ou & Jian Wang & Qing Ruan & Xuanying Zhang & Junbo Zhang & Yongxian Zhang & Yantao Niu & Zhubin Hu & Chunlei Zhang & Huaping Xu & Wei Cao, 2025. "Molecular engineering of melanin for enhanced biological γ-ray protection," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62403-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62403-8
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