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Updated: Oct 17, 2025

Measuring Spatially- and Directionally-varying Light Scattering from Biological Material
Published on: May 20, 2013
Melanin-based structural coloration of birds and its biomimetic applications
Deok-Jin Jeon1,2, Suejeong Paik3, Seungmuk Ji1,2
1School of Integrated Technology, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21983, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Melanin has been a widely researched pigment by scientists for decades as it is undoubtedly the most ubiquitous and ancient pigment found in nature. Melanin plays very significant roles in structural plumage colors in birds: it has visible light-absorbing capabilities, and nanoscale structures can be formed by self-assembling melanin granules. Herein, we review recent progress on melanin-based structural coloration research. We hope that this review will provide current understanding of melanin's structural and optical properties, natural coloration mechanisms, and biomimetic methods to implement artificial melanin-based structural colors.
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