Melanin Chemistry Explored by Quantum Mechanics Investigations for Mechanism Identification and Reaction Design

This book discusses recent advances in theoretical–computational studies on the biosynthesis of melanin pigment (melanogenesis). These advances are being driven by the development of high-performance computers, new experimental findings, and extensive work on medical applications involving the control of pigmentation and the treatment of challenging dermatological diseases. Understanding the elementary processes involved in chemical reactions at the atomic scale is important in biochemical reaction design for effective control of the pigmentary system. Accordingly, the book focuses on the elementary steps involved in melanogenesis, which crucially affect the composition of the resulting melanin pigment by means of competitive reactions. The book also addresses reactions analogous to melanogenesis, with a focus on o-quinone reactions, which are especially important for understanding melanogenesis-associated cytotoxicity.

Dr. Ryo Kishida is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biomaterials, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Japan. During his Ph.D. studies at Osaka University, he published several peer-reviewed articles in prominent scientific journals. Among his most notable contributions are his pioneering multidisciplinary works on melanin chemistry. He is currently a council member of the Japanese Society for Pigment Cell Research.

Dr. Susan M. Aspera is currently a specially appointed Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Technology, Akashi College (NITAC), Japan. She completed her BS in Physics for Teachers at the Philippine Normal University, Philippines, and academic requirements for MS in Physics at the De La Salle University, Philippines. She obtained her Masters and Ph.D in Quantum Engineering at the Department of Precision Science & Technology and Applied Physics, Osaka University, Japan under the supervision ofProf. Hideaki Kasai. After which, she worked as a Post-Doctoral Researcher and a specially appointed Assistant Professor at the same laboratory prior to working in NITAC. Her researcher interest and scientific publications are primarily on computational investigations using first principles calculations, mainly for designing materials at the atomic level for applications in different energy- and environment-related technologies. Some of her previous works are on catalysts for fuel cells, non-precious metal photocatalysts, ion exchange membranes, semiconductor devices, bio-related materials, air purification catalysts, and others.

Professor Hideaki Kasai is currently serving as President of the National Institute of Technology, Akashi College in Hyogo, Japan. He is also a professor emeritus of Osaka University, Japan. During his long and prolific career as a professor at Osaka University, he published more than 450 peer-reviewed articles in prominentscientific journals and was granted 21 patents. Among his most notable contributions are his pioneering works on ultrafast-quantum dynamical and elementary excitation processes on surfaces and interfaces, quantum-based designs of nanomaterials and heavy fermion systems. He currently holds several key positions at government and scientific organizations, e.g. as a scientific advisor to the Supreme Court of Japan; advisory board member of the Institute for Solid State Physics; member of the editorial board of the Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter by the Institute of Physics; council member of the Physical Society of Japan; and member of the editorial board of the journal Computational Materials Science.