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Liu T, Solomon MJ. Reconfigurable Grating Diffraction Structural Color in Self-Assembled Colloidal Crystals. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2301871. [PMID: 37144433 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202301871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembled colloidal crystals display structural colors due to light diffracted from their microscale, ordered structure. This color arises due to Bragg reflection (BR) or grating diffraction (GD); the latter mechanism is much less explored than the former. Here the design space for generating GD structural color is identified and its relative advantages are demonstrated. Electrophoretic deposition is used to self-assemble crystals with fine crystal grains from colloids of diameter 1.0 µm. The structural color in transmission is tunable across the full visible spectrum. The optimum optical response-represented by both color intensity and saturation-is observed at low layer number (≤5 layers). The spectral response is well predicted by Mie scattering of the crystals. Taken together, the experimental and theoretical results demonstrate that vivid grating colors with high color saturation can be produced from thin layers of micron-sized colloids. These colloidal crystals extend the potential of artificial structural color materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Michael J Solomon
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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Li C, Yu Y, Li H, Tian J, Guo W, Shen Y, Cui H, Pan Y, Song Y, Shum HC. One-Pot Self-Assembly of Dual-Color Domes Using Mono-Sized Silica Nanoparticles. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:5236-5243. [PMID: 35731830 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c01090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Spots with dual structural colors on the skin of some organisms in nature are of tremendous interest due to the unique function of their dye-free colors. However, imitation of them requires complicated manufacturing processes, expensive equipment, and multiple predesigned building blocks. In this work, a one-pot strategy based on the phase-separation-assisted nonuniform self-assembly of monosized silica nanoparticles is developed to construct domes with dual structural colors. In drying poly(ethylene glycol)-dextran-based (PEG-DEX) droplets, monosized nanoparticles distribute nonuniformly in two compartments due to the droplet inner flow and different nanoparticle compatibility with the two phases. The dome colors are derived from the self-assembled nanoparticles and are programmable by regulating the assembly conditions. The one-pot strategy enables the preparation of multicolor using only one type of building block. With the dual-color domes, encrypted patterns with a high volume of contents are designed, showing promising applications in information delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Yafeng Yu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Huizeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Green Printing, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jingxuan Tian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Yanting Shen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Huanqing Cui
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Yi Pan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Yanlin Song
- Key Laboratory of Green Printing, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong (SAR), China
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong (SAR), China
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Investigation of the selective color-changing mechanism of Dynastes tityus beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Sci Rep 2021; 11:808. [PMID: 33436867 PMCID: PMC7803976 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80699-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Not only does the Dynastes tityus beetle display a reversible color change controlled by differences in humidity, but also, the elytron scale can change color from yellow-green to deep-brown in specified shapes. The results obtained by focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), show that the epicuticle (EPI) is a permeable layer, and the exocuticle (EXO) is a three-dimensional photonic crystal. To investigate the mechanism of the reversible color change, experiments were conducted to determine the water contact angle, surface chemical composition, and optical reflectance, and the reflective spectrum was simulated. The water on the surface began to permeate into the elytron via the surface elemental composition and channels in the EPI. A structural unit (SU) in the EXO allows local color changes in varied shapes. The reflectance of both yellow-green and deep-brown elytra increases as the incidence angle increases from 0° to 60°. The microstructure and changes in the refractive index are the main factors that influence the process of reversible color change. According to the simulation, the lower reflectance causing the color change to deep-brown results from water infiltration, which increases light absorption. Meanwhile, the waxy layer has no effect on the reflection of light. This study lays the foundation to manufacture engineered photonic materials that undergo controllable changes in iridescent color.
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Carter IE, Weir K, McCall MW, Parker AR. Variation in the circularly polarized light reflection of Lomaptera (Scarabaeidae) beetles. J R Soc Interface 2017; 13:rsif.2016.0015. [PMID: 27383419 PMCID: PMC4971215 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2016.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An extended spectroscopic study on the left-through-left circularly polarized reflection spectra of a large number of beetles from the Australasian Scrabaeidae:Cetoniinae of the Lomaptera genus was undertaken. We have obtained a five-category spectral classification. The principal spectral features, which even within the genus range from blue to infrared, are related to structural chirality in the beetle shells. The detailed features of each spectral classification are related to different structural perturbations of the helix, including various pitch values and abrupt twist defects. These spectral characteristics and associated shell structures are confirmed on the basis of simple modelling. An important conclusion from our study is that the simple helical structure resulting in a single symmetric Bragg peak is not the dominant spectral type. Rather the reality is a rich tapestry of spectral types. One intriguing specimen is identified via a scanning electron micrograph to consist of a double interstitial helix leading to a particular double-peak spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Carter
- The Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - K Weir
- The Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - M W McCall
- The Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - A R Parker
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
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McDonald LT, Finlayson ED, Wilts BD, Vukusic P. Circularly polarized reflection from the scarab beetle Chalcothea smaragdina: light scattering by a dual photonic structure. Interface Focus 2017. [PMID: 28630672 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2016.0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicoidal architectures comprising various polysaccharides, such as chitin and cellulose, have been reported in biological systems. In some cases, these architectures exhibit stunning optical properties analogous to ordered cholesteric liquid crystal phases. In this work, we characterize the circularly polarized reflectance and optical scattering from the cuticle of the beetle Chalcothea smaragdina (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) using optical experiments, simulations and structural analysis. The selective reflection of left-handed circularly polarized light is attributed to a Bouligand-type helicoidal morphology within the beetle's exocuticle. Using electron microscopy to inform electromagnetic simulations of this anisotropic stratified medium, the inextricable connection between the colour appearance of C. smaragdina and the periodicity of its helicoidal rotation is shown. A close agreement between the model and the measured reflectance spectra is obtained. In addition, the elytral surface of C. smaragdina possesses a blazed diffraction grating-like surface structure, which affects the diffuse appearance of the beetle's reflected colour, and therefore potentially enhances crypsis among the dense foliage of its rainforest habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke T McDonald
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QL, UK.,School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, North Mall Campus, Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | - Ewan D Finlayson
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QL, UK
| | - Bodo D Wilts
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Pete Vukusic
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QL, UK
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Valyukh S, Järrendahl K. Modeling of light interaction with exoskeletons of scarab beetles. APPLIED OPTICS 2017; 56:2510-2516. [PMID: 28375360 DOI: 10.1364/ao.56.002510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Some beetles of the family Scarabaeidae produce brilliant metallic-looking colors by their pure dielectric exoskeletons and reflect light with a high degree of circular polarization. In the present work, we discuss three models for simultaneously describing scattering, spectral, and polarization characteristics of scarab beetles. Each model consists of three slabs: an outer thin epicuticle, an exocuticle having a helicoidal structure, and a thick uniform slightly absorbing endocuticle. Scattering features are defined by rough interfaces of the epicuticle and/or nonuniformities of the exocuticle. As an example, a slightly modified model of an earlier study of Chrysina aurata is considered. The modification is aimed at including surface and volume nonuniformities that affect not only spectral and polarization properties but also scattering. Another example of using the proposed models is based on the analysis of image formations of a specimen of the species Mimela chinensis, which was studied in a polarizing microscope at different magnifications. The results show that the proposed models can be applied for explanation of light interaction with the exoskeletons of scarab beetles.
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Investigation of the Variation of Near-Circular Polarization in Scarabaeoidea Beetles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2017.04.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Sun J, Wu W, Ling M, Bhushan B, Tong J. A dynamic nanoindentation technique to investigate the nanomechanical properties of a colored beetle. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra14687b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Xie Z, Li L, Liu P, Zheng F, Guo L, Zhao Y, Jin L, Li T, Gu Z. Self-assembled coffee-ring colloidal crystals for structurally colored contact lenses. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2015; 11:926-930. [PMID: 25331232 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201402071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A circlular structural-colored contact lens is reported, which is fabricated by replicating self-assembled colloidal photonic crystal templates. The structural-colored contact lenses not only display variable and brilliant color under light illumination, but also avoid the addition of any colorants to the hydrogel lenses and prevent the potential harm posed by traditional colored contact lenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoying Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
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Wang B, Ye YH, Yang L. Mimicking bicolor by changing the reflectance of the substrate in a one-dimensional periodic structure. APPLIED OPTICS 2013; 52:7586-7591. [PMID: 24216662 DOI: 10.1364/ao.52.007586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In nature, some beetles can display bicolor on their elytra. In order to explore the bicolor mechanism, we experimentally studied the optical and structural properties of the Carabus lafossei beetle. We found a multilayer structure in the cuticle of the beetle. Due to the different multilayer thicknesses in different areas, the beetle displayed bicolor. Here, we provide another approach to fabricate bicolor by depositing the same multilayer stack on a substrate with different reflectances at different areas. In this paper, the substrate with different reflectances is achieved by prefabricating sculpted hexagons (SU-8) on a silicon substrate. By coating a (ZnS/MgF2)3.5 multilayer, the sculpted structure displays green color at the ridges (SU-8/silicon area) and yellow color at the basins (silicon area).
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Fabricant SA, Kemp DJ, Krajíček J, Bosáková Z, Herberstein ME. Mechanisms of color production in a highly variable shield-back stinkbug, Tectocoris diophthalmus [corrected] (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae), and why it matters. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64082. [PMID: 23675520 PMCID: PMC3646777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Theory suggests that aposematism, specifically the learned avoidance of unprofitable prey via memorable color patterns, should result in selection for pattern uniformity. However, many examples to the contrary are seen in nature. Conversely, honest sexual signals are likely to exhibit greater variation because they reflect underlying variation in mate quality. Here we aim to characterize and quantify the mechanistic causes of color in Tectocoris diopthalmus to shed light on the costs of color production, and thus the potential information content of its color signals. We use Tectocoris diopthalmus because it is a weakly-defended stinkbug, and presents elements that have classically been studied in the context of aposematism (red coloring), and sexual selection (sexual dichromatism and iridescent coloring). Pigment analysis reveals that variation in orange coloration is due to the amount of erythropterin pigment, stored in intracellular granules. This pigment is common in Heteroptera, and as an endogenously produced excretory byproduct is unlikely to reflect mate quality or variation in unprofitability of the bug. Electron microscopy reveals the iridescent patches are caused by an epicuticular multilayer reflector, and the hue and patch size are directly related to the layer widths and extent of coverage of this layering. Furthermore, we identified melanin as an essential component of the multilayer reflector system; therefore, the quality of the iridescent patches may be affected by aspects of rearing environment and immunocompetence. We posit that T. diopthalmus has co-opted the melanic patches of a ‘typical’ red and black aposematic signal, transforming it into a complex and variable iridescent signal that may enhance its capacity to display individual quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Fabricant
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia.
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