CUNY scientists successfully mimic melanin’s molecular code

Researchers at CUNY have created a process for making a material similar to melanin, a complex polymer previously impossible to mimic due to its naturally disordered molecular structure. Melanin, often thought of as a mere pigment, can store energy, conduct electricity and protect against UV radiation. The scientists’ breakthrough could have uses in new biomedical and cosmetic products.

The researchers were able to share data with each other using NYSERNet’s R&E network.