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Updated: Jan 28, 2026
08:26
Spray-Coated Melanin/PEDOT:PSS Films for Sustainable Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Published on: October 28, 2025
544
Microbial melanin: biosynthesis, functional Insights, and emerging research challenges
Qiaolei Zhu1, Xiaodi Wang1, Yunping Zhu2,3,4
1Key Laboratory of Green Manufacturing and Biosynthesis of Food Bioactive Substances, General Chamber of Commerce, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China.
World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology
|January 27, 2026
Summary
Microbial melanin, a sustainable pigment from microbes, is a promising alternative to synthetic options. Advances in omics and genetic engineering are optimizing its production and exploring new applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Microbial melanin offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic pigments.
- Diverse bacteria and fungi produce this natural pigment.
- Recent advancements focus on its biotechnological potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in microbial melanin research.
- To cover biosynthetic pathways, production optimization, and applications.
- To highlight the role of omics and genetic engineering.
Main Methods:
- Detailed review of microbial melanin types and biosynthetic pathways.
- Summarized strategies for yield enhancement (cultivation, biotechnology).
- Exploration of analytical techniques and emerging technologies.
Main Results:
- Elucidation of microbial melanin biosynthesis and key intermediates.
- Identification of optimization strategies for increased yield.
- Overview of analytical methods and potential applications.
Conclusions:
- Microbial melanin production and application face challenges.
- Integration of synthetic biology and safety evaluations is crucial for industrialization.
- Further research is needed to bridge the gap between lab findings and industrial use.
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