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Gamma-resonance study of the reaction of iron ions with synthetic L-dopa melanin

Journal Article · · Sov. J. Coordinat. Chem.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6280482

The reaction of Fe/sup 3 +/ and Fe/sup 2 +/ ions with synthetic L-dopa melanin, which is a model compound of natural melanin (the melanoprotein granules in the pigment epithelial cells in vertebrate and human eyes), has been studied by gamma-resonance spectroscopy. The investigations showed that L-dopa melanin is capable of effectively binding iron ions and that it displays oxidative or reducing properties with respect to Fe, depending on the composition of the subsystem of the Fe ions and the ambient pH. Trivalent Fe/sup 3 +/ ions form stronger complexes with L-dopa melanin than do Fe/sup 2 +/ ions. The coordination takes place mainly with the carboxyl groups and the amino and imino groups of the polymer. The conformational state of the polymer apparently changes as the pH is varied.

OSTI ID:
6280482
Journal Information:
Sov. J. Coordinat. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: Sov. J. Coordinat. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 11:9; ISSN SJCCD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English