Isolation, characterization and anti-oxidant potential of melanin pigment from Trichomerium bhatii NFCCI 4305

Melanin is usually formed by oxidative polymerization of phenolic compounds produced by bacteria, fungi, plants as well as animals. They have gained popularity for its multifarous properties and applications in various industries, especially the derma-cosmetic industries where fungal melanin has recently been highlighted as a potential source of natural bioactive compounds beneficial to skin and hair. The anti-oxidant potential and free radical scavenging activities of natural melanin makes them suitable for application in cosmetic products. In the present we have isolated and characterized a melanin pigment from Trichomerium bhatii NFCCI 4305, an unconventional fungus of Indian origin. The biological properties of purified melanin from the fungus were evaluated for its antioxidant activity. Following alkali acid treatment of the fermented broth, the pigment was extracted and further, its nature was confirmed as melanin through physico-chemical tests and spectral (UV and FTIR) analysis. The analysis of the elemental composition indicated that the pigment fall into DOPA category of melanin. The purified melanin showed a good DPPH (1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical-scavenging activity. To our understanding this is the first report on melanin characterization from the fungal genus Trichomerium.