Biomimetic system for removal of fungal melanin staining on paper

► The biomimetic copper-pyridine system very effectively oxidises fungal melanin. ► Both extracellular and cell wall-bound melanin are thoroughly bleached. ► The Cu-py system's action on the melanin resembles the reaction of lignin peroxidase with hydrogen peroxide and lignin. ► Very successfully bleached paper samples keep their apparent macroscopic integrity.