Melanin, Coherent Water and Energy Production in Organisms: Relevant Insights in Bioenergetics and Biochemistry

In the last decade significant progress has been made in understanding the crucial role of melanin in the energy production in cells and tissues (accounting for up to 90 % of the total in organisms) [1]. This requires rethinking the central role of glucose and ATP which instead are thought to play a primary role in building biomass [2]. The mechanism by which melanin absorbs a wide range of the electromagnetic (em) spectrum (from FIR to far UV and ionizing radiations helping organisms to cope with exposure to X- or γ rays [3]) and dissociates water molecules (releasing oxygen, hydrogen and free energy), has been extensively verified to occur in biological systems [4]. This mechanism has also been reproduced in laboratory and showed valuable applications in water revitalization and purification treatments [5]. In terms of bioenergetics, these findings highlight the importance for mammals (including humans) of sunlight exposure (which provides the full em spectrum) while maintaining adequate hydration to maintain a good homeostasis and optimal health. This process of hydrolysis and oxygen production through melanin and light had been proposed by Arturo Solìs Herrera and thus termed human photosynthesis [1]. However, the proposed dissociation of water molecules (with an initial electron transition at around 7 eV and ionization threshold at 12.62 eV) is not explainable within the still semi-classical vision of quantum mechanics (QM), especially when triggered by photons with much lower energy). In contrast, a description of water and biological matter in terms of Quantum Field Theory (QFT) that takes into account the key role of coherence and the interplay with hydrophilic surfaces provides a clear and physically sound picture [6]. In this paper we would propose a possible semi-quantitative theoretical framework for this fundamental biological process, which appears to underpin most metabolism in heterotrophic organisms, by interpreting water and living matter in terms of Quantum Electro-Dynamics(QED) [7]. This will allow us to make important progress in biochemistry and medicine too.