ScienceJuly 14, 2026
melanoidin
/mɛləˈnɔɪdɪn/
Definition
A brown-colored polymeric substance produced by the reaction between sugars and amino acids.
Etymology
The term is derived from the Greek 'melas' (black) combined with the chemical suffix '-oid' (resembling) and '-in' (used in naming proteins/complex substances), reflecting its characteristic dark, pigment-like appearance.
In the news
In this article, melanoidin is used to explain the chemistry behind fake tan lotions, where erythrulose reacts with skin cells to create a brownish color.
Space jam: astronomers detect ‘raspberry sugar’ on dust cloud in Milky Way
Read the full article ↗The Guardian