Microbial production of eumelanin from a desert-derived Aspergillus terreus: statistical optimization, comprehensive characterization, and in silico insights into breast cancer-associated targets

Background

Naturally derived microbial products are increasingly explored as sustainable sources of bioactive compounds for targeted cancer applications. Among these, eumelanin is a nitrogen-containing polymeric pigment produced by various microorganisms, including fungi, and is distinguished by its unique physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and free radical scavenging capacity. Nevertheless, eumelanin-producing fungi from extreme desert habitats remain poorly explored, particularly those isolated from the Wadi Allaqi Biosphere Reserve, and comprehensive studies integrating production optimization, structural characterization, and breast cancer-focused cytotoxic evaluation are still limited.