Melanin has natural radiation absorbing properties. Evolutionarily speaking, mammalian epithelium produces melanin as a means of protecting organisms from overexposure to radiation. The basis behind this research is to utilize the properties of melanin as a means of applying those principles toward the aerospace and manufacturing industries. This objective is achieved by testing the feasibility of producing melanin nanoparticles against radiation exposure. Overall, the project is three-parted: firstly, a melanin nanoparticle solution will be synthesized using chitosan and polyethylene glycol solutions; secondly, the nanoparticles will be electro-sprayed onto glass slides in order to produce a wide range of thin films with varying degrees of film thickness; finally, radiation blocking tests will be conducted to evaluate the thickness range in which the films are able to absorb radiation. By optimizing the radiation-blocking properties of melanin, MNPs could be used to shield from larger doses of radiation, such as those experienced beyond the Earth’s atmosphere or areas contaminated by radioactive material. Within the aerospace and manufacturing industries, these thin films of MNPs could satisfy the need for a novel organic radiation-blocking material in order to better protect workers. Specific applications are the coating of high-altitude aircraft and spacecraft’s external surfaces, as well as space suits and helmets
