Abstract: Aspects disclosed herein include a material and formulations having the material, the material comprising functionalized artificial melanin nanoparticles, wherein: each functionalized artificial melanin nanoparticle comprises a surface functionalized with a modifier agent via a linker group; wherein the modifier agent comprises the linker group and a functional group attached to the linker group; and wherein the linker group is an amine group. Aspects also include a method of healing skin damage using the disclosed formulations.

Abstract: Aspects disclosed herein include a method for treatment of a subject, the method comprising: topically administering a melanin formulation having an artificial melanin material (thereby administering artificial melanin material) to (or, to a site of) damaged skin of the subject; wherein the administered artificial melanin material comprises extracellular artificial melanin material at (or, at the site of) the damaged skin; and facilitating skin healing in the wound via at least the extracellular artificial melanin material; wherein the step of facilitating skin healing comprises at least a portion of the extracellular artificial melanin material performing a therapeutic extracellular activity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising synthetic nanoparticles and methods of use thereof for reducing inflammation of the eye and/or skin.