<p>This report is a
continuation of previous research on the H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>-mediated synthesis
of melanin-like pigments.
We
synthesized and characterized L-DOPA-based pigments using air- or H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>-mediated<sub>
</sub>oxidation. We compared their physic-chemical properties and evaluated
their capacity to affect the interleukin release from immune cells. The use of
higher concentrations of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> resulted in melanin-like
materials with a distinct chemical signature in their FT-IR spectra and a
lighter color. All pigments enhanced the interleukin release from immune cells. The possibility
that lighter-colored melanins can be generated is discussed in the context of
the importance of melanin-based pigmentation in human physiology.</p>