Eumelanin (black) and pheomelanin (red) are biopolymeric pigments present in most kingdoms of life. Recent studies focused on the analysis of scanning electron microscopy images to identify and differentiate these pigments in ancient organisms. These studies hinge on the assertion that the three-dimensional structures of eumelanin and pheomelanin are morphologically distinct and that, when combined, there is a linear gradient from the structure of pure eumelanin to pure pheomelanin. The structures of eumelanin and pheomelanin are not distinct and do not combine in predictable configurations. Melanin however, has unique chemical signatures that can be used to identify and determine the ratio of eumelanin and pheomelanin in fossilized systems. We used alkaline degradation and other analytical techniques to confirm the presence of eumelanin in two intact fossil ink sacs from the UK. These techniques require small sample quantities and provide an approach to study melanin in fossil and contemporary systems.

Chemical approaches to study melanin in fossil systems

244th National Meeting (2012)

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