Overview of Melanin Pigments and Their Analytical Detection: a Review

The highly molecular weight melanin pigments which are widespread in living organisms are usually formed due to the oxidation and polymerization of phenolic compounds into eumelanin, pheomelanin and neuromelanin. Almost of these pigments are stable, insoluble and biochemical substance resistance. They have a strong ability to absorb the ultraviolet radiation and scattering the light. There properties facile their photoprotective activity against skin damage. The distribution of melanin pigments in the body of living organisms not only gave the bright and attractive color but also have impact role in certain disorders such as melanoma or skin cancer. In this review, we introduced a general overview for melanin pigments, including their definition, physico-chemical properties, biological action, the possible biosynthesis pathways and the relation of melanin with certain disorders. Finally, we also provided the important analytical methods that used for the quantification of melanin in diverse samples.