Melanin belongs to a group of polymeric pigments that contribute to different biological processes and protects organisms from adverse environmental conditions. It is typically known for its unique ability to absorb a wide range of radiation and release it in a non-radioactive way, either by releasing energy in the form of heat or in fluorescence.    
 
This biopolymer is present in various living organisms including: animals, humans, bacteria and fungi. The advantages of using microorganisms to produce melanin include not only the absence of seasonal growth restrictions, but also its profitability and respect for the environment.  
 
Microbial melanin is a valuable source of natural melanin. For this reason, we saw that we could extract melanin from black fungi, Cladosporium sphaerospermum a  saprophytic fungus, found colonizing plants and soil.    
 
Its a multifunctional pigment known to work as: an antioxidant and radical scavenger, a photoprotector that absorbs and dissipates solar radiation in the form of heat, that is an absorbent that chelates metals and binds organic compounds and semiconductors. 
 
Melanin is synthesized naturally by most organisms making it a biocompatible material.