Aspergillus niger as a cell factory for the production of pyomelanin, a molecule with UV-C radiation shielding activity.

ABSTRACT: Melanins are complex pigments with various biological functions and potential applications in space exploration and biomedicine due to their radioprotective properties. Aspergillus niger, a fungus known for its high radiation resistance, is widely used in biotechnology and a candidate for melanin production. In this study, we investigated the production of fungal pyomelanin (Pyo_Fun) in A. niger by inducing overproduction of the pigment using L-tyrosine in a recombinant ΔhmgA mutant strain (OS4.3). The Pyo_Fun pigment was characterized using three spectroscopic methods, and its antioxidant properties were assessed using a DPPH-assay. Additionally, we evaluated the protective effect of Pyo_Fun against non-ionizing radiation (monochromatic UV-C) an

SUBMITTER: Koch SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10399693 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature