Detection of melanochromes by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(96)00061-0

Melanin formation from dopamine, DOPA, DHI, or DHICA, was analyzed by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry. Oligomers of dihydroxyindoles, i.e. melanochromes, up to DP11 were detected. Increments of 16 mass units provide evidence for the presence of trihydroxyindole units. The results indicate that polymerization of dihydroxyindoles towards melanins occurs by sequential coupling of monomers with concomitant oxygenation.