Author: "Arturo Solís Herrera"

Melanin, the Master Molecule

eBook: US $79 Special Offer (PDF + Printed Copy): US $177
Printed Copy: US $137
Library License: US $316
ISBN: 978-1-68108-654-5 (Print)
ISBN: 978-1-68108-653-8 (Online)
Year of Publication: 2018
DOI: 10.2174/97816810865381180101

Introduction

Melanin is a biological molecule associated with pigmentation in humans and animals. However, melanin has been observed to have other functions such as neuroprotection and energy production. In Melanin, the Master Molecule,researchers summarize several decades worth of knowledge on melanin and its physicochemical properties. Nine chapters explain the intrinsic biochemistry of melanin, comparisons with conventional energy producing and respiratory biomolecules, the property of melanin to transform light energy into chemical energy through the dissociation of the water molecule, and the theories of melanin based energy production in the nervous system, the cell nucleus, muscles and the eye, and the role the role of melanin in the context of ageing. The authors also delve into the possibility of melanin being the key molecule needed to spark life since its water dissociating property through the absorption of light energy emulates the role of chlorophyll, but unlike the latter, it is not limited to the plant cell environment. Hence, melanin is referred to as the master molecule which can provide a missing link to the biochemical processes behind the origin of life.

Melanin, the Master Molecule is an exciting reference for biochemists and laymen interested in the science of melanin and a new perspective on the origin of life as we know it.

Reviews

Review 1

Plants and human beings have the same very first reaction as the origin of life utilizing either chlorophyll or melanin, that being the first step in the food and energy chains. This implies that the role of the water and glucose could be redefined – that is to say glucose may just be a source of biomass – and, instead, water might the real source of bioenergy of the eukaryotic cell including neurons.

Melanin is a human energy producing pigment which chiefly belongs to members of the animal kingdom as chlorophyll to the plant kingdom. Both of those chemicals make is possible to burn water to liberate electrons. Melanin is able to absorb the full electromagnetic spectrum. In contrast, chlorophyll just absorbs blue and red light. And, finally, melanin has the intrinsic property to split and reform the water molecule using hydrogen peroxide.

Bioenergy and melanin make an exciting and emerging interdisciplinary topic of discussion that combines translational applications with life sciences. The relevance of these areas can be perceived in our lives every time we go to caregivers to receive preventive, prophylactic or rehabilitative treatment.

This book covers a wide range of aspects and issues related to advances in understanding photosynthesis, melanin biology, bioenergy and translational applications whilst covering profile-related cell bioenergetics pathways, impacts of water of the spinal fluid as the main source of CNS energy, the intrinsic properties of respiratory pigments, the role of eukaryotic nucleus as the only source of energy in human CNS, the importance of the latter in developing a variety of human disorders and ageing. The book consists of valuable scientific contributions divided in logistically united sections. The book brings outputs and results of research and development tasks, often supported by important world or framework programs. Knowing how photosynthesis originated and evolved is essential to obtaining the deep understanding required to yield improvements in bioenergy, practical medicine and the environmental applications.

Advanced methods in quantitative biology, systems biology, and translational applications will certainly improve our understanding of the architecture of the interactome-based networks underlying photosynthesis and will also aid the design of novel regulatory circuits and the predictive power of those technologies. And a detailed understanding of how photosynthetic cells can push the boundaries of extreme-environment existence will also fill important gaps in our current understanding of the potential for oxygen-evolving photosynthesis. In this connection, one of the most attractive and strategic avenues would be technologies that would exploit the properties of melanin – the animal analogue to chlorophyll. The outcome of the approach mentioned would unveil newer generations of photocells (including artificial ones) to absorb a broad spectrum of radiation, and to secure conversion of the latter into electric and, possibly, another forms of energy. The other applications would concern the next step in drug design for developing pharmaceuticals ‘armed’ with therapeutic resources to enhance human ‘photosynthesis’ for securing healthy states and, finally, the wellness. Thus, an overarching continuum of the searching, investigational and exploring modes bridging cellular metabolism with the medical area swill be essential for successfully redesigning photosynthesis to sustainably meet global food and bioenergy demand.

Dr Sergey Suchkov, MD, PhD
Professor in Medicine & Immunology,
Director, Center for Personalized Medicine, Sechenov University,
Chair, Dept for Translational Medicine, Moscow Engineering Physical Institute (MEPhI),
Professor, Dept of Immunology, A.I.Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine & Dentistry, Russia



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