A biomimetic approach to shielding from ionizing radiation: The case of melanized fungi.

ABSTRACT: Melanized fungi have been shown to thrive in environments with high radionuclide concentrations, which led to the association of the pigment melanin with the protection against ionizing radiation. Several hypotheses regarding the function of melanin have been proposed. Yet, the exact mechanism behind the protective property of melanin is unclear and poorly explored. A better understanding of the mechanisms that are involved in increasing the tolerance of the organisms to ionizing radiation could lead to technology transfer to human-related applications. Effective protection from radiation is essential for human space flight in general and human missions beyond Low Earth Orbit specifically. In this paper, we follow a biomimetic approach: we test two of current hypotheses and discuss how the

SUBMITTER: Vasileiou T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7182175 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature