Bioinspired Polymerization of Dopamine to Generate Melanin-Like Nanoparticles Having an Excellent Free-Radical-Scavenging Property

Melanin-like nanoparticles were synthesized with size control through neutralization of dopamine hydrochloride with NaOH, followed by spontaneous air oxidation of dopamine. Although the particle characteristic of natural melanins was understood to be significantly affected by the biological and structural environment, melanin-lke nanoparticles can be realized through the chemical reactions only. Melanin-like nanoparticles that are