Isolation of melanin granules

Abstract

The study of melanin granules is of both commercial and academic importance in the investigation of the pigmentation and bleaching of animal fibres. A means of separation of the granules from the keratin matrix which leaves them morphologically and chemically unaffected is therefore desirable. The methods of isolation which have so far been used consist in dissolving the keratinous material either by acid or alkaline hydrolysis, or by treatment with a mixture of phenol hydrate and thioglycollic acid. Of these, the last1,2 appears to be the most satisfactory, because it leaves the granules undamaged. It is, however, extremely laborious, involving refluxing of the protein substance for twenty-four hours, after which the resultant suspension is centrifuged for 10 hr. © 1957 Nature Publishing Group.