Protective properties of melanin from lichen Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) HOFFM. In models of oxidative stress in skeletal muscle.

Melanin is a dark pigment from the group of phenolic or indole polymers with inherent biocompatibility and antioxidant capacity. In extremophilic lichen Lobaria pulmonaria, melanin is responsible for protective properties against hostile environments. Herein, the ability of melanin extracted from L.

Topography of UV-Melanized Thalli of (L.) Hoffm.

Lichens are unique extremophilic organisms due to their phenomenal resistance to adverse environmental factors, including ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Melanization plays a special role in the protection of lichens from UV-B stress. In the present study, we analyzed the binding of melanins with the components of cell walls of the mycobiont of the upper cortex in the melanized lichen thalli .

Melanins from the Lichens and as Eco-Friendly Adsorbents of Synthetic Dyes.

Synthetic dyes are widely used in the industry; they are chemically stable, difficult to neutralize, and therefore they are a threat to the environment when released into wastewaters. The dyes have a significant impact on plant performance by impairing photosynthesis, inhibiting growth, and entering the food chain and may finally result in the toxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of food products. Implementation of the dark piment melanin for the adsorption of the synthetic dyes is a new ecologically friendly approach for bioremediation.

The dielectric response of hydrated water as a structural signature of nanoconfined lichen melanins.

Lichens are unique symbiotic organisms from a mutually beneficial alliance of fungi and algae/cyanobacteria that successfully survive extreme temperatures and drought conditions. Most probably such extraordinary vitality of lichens is underlain by melanins, one of the main structural and chemical lichen components, and their mutual relationship with residual water. In this paper, we propose mechanisms, which allow lichens to store up the extra water in their structure.

Effect of Melanization on Thallus Microstructure in the Lichen .

Lichens often grow in microhabitats where they experience severe abiotic stresses. Some species respond to high UV radiation by synthesizing dark brown melanic pigments in the upper cortex. However, unlike the melanized structures of non-lichenized fungi, the morphology of the melanic layer in lichens remains unstudied.