1. An introduction to color-changing systems from the cephalopod protein reflectin
- Author
-
Atrouli Chatterjee, Priyam Patel, Alon A. Gorodetsky, Brenna Norton-Baker, and Laura E. Bagge
- Subjects
Optical Phenomena ,Computer science ,Biophysics ,Color ,Context (language use) ,Skin Pigmentation ,02 engineering and technology ,Reflectin ,010402 general chemistry ,01 natural sciences ,Biochemistry ,Biomimetic Materials ,Biomimetics ,Animals ,Amino Acid Sequence ,Chromatophores ,Engineering (miscellaneous) ,biology ,Biological Mimicry ,Decapodiformes ,Pigment cells ,Proteins ,Pigments, Biological ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,biology.organism_classification ,Chromatophore ,0104 chemical sciences ,Cephalopod ,Cephalopoda ,Camouflage ,biology.protein ,Molecular Medicine ,0210 nano-technology ,Neuroscience ,Biotechnology - Abstract
Cephalopods possess unrivaled camouflage and signaling abilities that are enabled by their sophisticated skin, wherein multiple layers contain chromatophore pigment cells (as part of larger chromatophore organs) and different types of reflective cells called iridocytes and leucophores. The optical functionality of these cells (and thus cephalopod skin) critically relies upon subcellular structures partially composed of unusual structural proteins known as reflectins. Herein, we highlight studies that have investigated reflectins as materials within the context of color-changing coatings. We in turn discuss these proteins' multi-faceted properties, associated challenges, and future potential. Through our presentation of selected case studies, we hope to stimulate additional dialogue and spur further research on photonic technologies based on and inspired by reflectins.
- Published
- 2018