Melanin (from the Greek μέλας, mélas, black) is a biopigment ubiquitous in flora and fauna, featuring broadband optical absorption, hydration-dependent electrical response, ion-binding affinity as well as antioxidative and radical-scavenging properties. In the human body, photoprotection in the skin and ion flux regulation in the brain are some biofunctional roles played by melanin. This talk is based on "Natural Melanin Pigments and Their Interfaces with Metal Ions and Oxides: Emerging Concepts and Technologies" (MRS Communications, Vol. 7, Issue 2) in which the progress in melanin research that underpins emerging technologies in energy storage/conversion, ion separation/water treatment, sunscreens, and bioelectronics is discussed. The melanin research aims at developing approaches to explore natural materials, well beyond melanin, which might serve as a prototype benign material for sustainable technologies.

MRS TV talks to Clara Santato, Polytechnique Montréal, who was chosen to deliver the 2018 MRS Communications Lecture for her paper, "Natural Melanin Pigments and Their Interfaces with Metal Ions and Oxides: Emerging Concepts and Technologies."

The 2018 MRS Communications Lecture Award recognizes excellence in the field of materials research through work published in MRS Communications. It honors the authors of an outstanding paper published in the journal during the award year.