The fungus Gliocephalotrichum simplex as a source of abundant, extracellular melanin for biotechnological applications.

Melanins are commonly produced by bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, where they play a role in many biological functions. They protect organisms against UV and ionizing radiations. Their potential applications in biotechnological industries such as cosmetics and paints, where UV protection is required, are hampered by the lack of suitable organisms or methods to produce them abundantly.