Polysaccharide-mediated synthesis of melanins from serotonin and other 5-hydroxy indoles.

Aim: As a continuation of our research on the melanin formation from catecholamines, we studied the polysaccharide-mediated oxidation of serotonin and other 5-hydroxy indoles into melanin-like materials. As for the catecholamines, we observed that many polysaccharides promote the oxidation of such compounds, particularly in the presence of Cu.

Methodology: The reactions were monitored using reverse phase-HPLC and size-exclusion chromatography techniques.