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Updated: Jun 21, 2025

Laser Microdissection-Based Protocol for the LC-MS/MS Analysis of the Proteomic Profile of Neuromelanin Granules
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Melanin: Nature's 4th bioorganic polymer.

K A Motovilov1, A B Mostert2

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Melanins, crucial biological pigments, are vital across all life, extending beyond UV protection. This review proposes recognizing melanins as a fourth essential biological polymer class alongside nucleic acids, proteins, and polysaccharides.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Polymer Science
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Melanins are recognized for human pigmentation and UV protection.
  • Melanins are found across all living kingdoms, except viruses.
  • Recent findings show melanin's presence in most human organs and diverse organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose melanins as a fourth primordial class of biological polymers.
  • To compare melanin properties with canonical biological polymers (nucleic acids, proteins, polysaccharides).
  • To highlight unique features, functions, and unresolved mysteries of melanins.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and comparative analysis of biological polymers.
  • Examination of melanin's structure, function, and distribution across life forms.
  • Discussion of melanin's role beyond UV protection and radiation neutralization.

Main Results:

  • Melanins exhibit ubiquitous presence and fundamental importance in all life forms.
  • Melanins possess unique properties distinct from nucleic acids, proteins, and polysaccharides.
  • Evidence supports classifying melanins as a distinct, primordial class of biological polymers.

Conclusions:

  • Melanins should be recognized as the fourth fundamental class of biological polymers.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand melanin's diverse functions and complexities.
  • The study underscores the essential, yet underappreciated, role of melanins in biology.