Physicochemical characterisation and antioxidant activity of melanin from the muscles of Taihe Black-bone silky fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus Brisson)

Melanin isolated from the muscles of Taihe Black-bone silky fowl (TBSF) was examined by amino acid analyzer, ICP-AES, UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy, infrared spectrometry, and elemental analyzer. The data obtained indicated that the isolated pigment contained 25% protein and many metal ions, and it was rich in Ca, Fe, Mg, and Zn. This pigment mostly consisted of eumelanin. Its spectroscopic and solubility properties were very similar to those of typical melanin. In addition, the antioxidant activities of TBSF melanin were evaluated in vitro by DPPH radical-scavenging assay, superoxide-radical scavenging assay, and lipid peroxidation assay. TBSF melanin exhibited a strong antioxidant activity. This study suggested that the TBSF melanin could potentially be used as a natural antioxidant in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.