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Title: Control of optical absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies of natural melanin at different solution concentrations

Journal Article · · Optical and Quantum Electronics
 [1];  [2];  [3]; ;  [2]
  1. Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMISU), Department of Physics, College of Sciences (Saudi Arabia)
  2. King Saud University, Physics and Astronomy Department, College of Science (Saudi Arabia)
  3. King Saud University, Chemistry Department, College of Science (Saudi Arabia)

The source of the optical properties of natural melanin persists as an impressive conundrum, hindering a thorough comprehension of the complicated photo-protective contribution of these extensive natural pigments and the pragmatic design of revolutionary bioinspired materials for optoelectronic functionalities. Melanin is a natural pigment distributed in vivo, and provides protection from the sun rays, exhibiting a strong wide-band UV–visible absorption. In the present study, we investigated the optical properties of natural melanin at different pH concentrations within the framework of experimental techniques, namely, UV–visible absorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and fluorescence spectroscopies. The results indicate that the optical absorption and fluorescence of natural melanin are enhanced within the near-UV and visible regimes with an increase in the solution concentration, are dependent on the pH level, and can impact the emergence of a broad band of visible absorption. The variations in the optical absorption spectra of natural melanin solutions at various pH levels will demonstrate novel rational strategies for controlling their optical properties for potential optoelectronic applications.

OSTI ID:
22950210
Journal Information:
Optical and Quantum Electronics, Vol. 51, Issue 7; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2019 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature; http://www.springer-ny.com; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0306-8919
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English