| abstract |
The present invention is directed to a process for producing melanins, their precursors and their analogs, hereinafter referred to generically as melanins. According to the invention, melanins are produced in amounts greater than about 0.2 grams dry weight per liter of growth medium. The enhanced production of melanin can be achieved by manipulating the constituents of the growth medium, and/or attenuating fermentation conditions, and/or by genetically engineering microorganism to produce melanins, and/or mutating the microorganisms. |