Black knot melanin—a super-additive with uv absorbing and antioxidant properties

Abstract

In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a polymer composition for use in, cosmetics, coatings, inks, polymer compounding formulation comprising an all-natural, DHN-based, nitrogen-free black knot fungal (BKF) allomelanin extracted from black knots (a fungal growth formed by). The BKF melanin is naturally sourced, economically extracted, and quite unexpectedly, has been found to have better UV absorbing and antioxidant properties than synthetic melanin (polydopamine) and commercially available sepia melanin. In various embodiments, a small amount of the BKF melanin is substantially uniformly blended into a polymer or similar material to create a composition having excellent UV absorption and antioxidant properties. Surprisingly, it has also been found that the UV absorption and antioxidant properties of these polymer compositions can withstand heating and other processing steps associated with polymers, and in particular, rubber without significant reduction in effectiveness.