Butterfly-Inspired Crystals
Durable, safer glitter from butterfly-inspired crystals
Introduction To Structural Colors
Butterflies and damselflies have long been a source of fascination due to their vibrant colors, which are not just a result of pigments but also of the structure of their wings. Researchers at Northeastern University, led by associate professor of chemistry and chemical biology Leila Deravi, have been studying the structural colors of butterflies to develop more durable and adjustable colors that are safer for human health and the environment. This innovation could potentially replace traditional pigment-based products, such as cosmetic glitter, which often contain toxic chemicals.
Understanding Structural Colors
In nature, colors can arise from two main sources: the chemical structure of molecules and the physical arrangement of molecules. The former is responsible for pigmentary colors, such as the orange color of carrots and the red color of blood. However, these colors can fade over time due to exposure to sunlight and other environmental elements. On the other hand, structural colors, which result from the physical arrangement of molecules, are more durable and do not fade over time. Examples of structural colors include the rainbow of opal gemstones, the blues and greens of peacock feathers, and the deep blue of morpho butterfly wings.
Butterfly-Inspired Crystals
The researchers studied butterflies in the Pieridae family, such as the cabbage white and clouded sulfur varieties, to understand how chemical composition and crystal structure influence color generation. They focused on pterins, compounds related to those that make up DNA, which are found on the surface of butterfly wings. By controlling the size and packing of the pterin crystals, the researchers believe that color intensity could be adjusted without requiring many different pigments. This approach could also have safety advantages, as these natural biomolecules are already being produced and used by animals and plants, and are biodegradable and non-toxic.
Real-World Implications
The development of butterfly-inspired crystals could have significant real-world implications. For example, these durable and adjustable colors could be used in a variety of products, such as paints, cosmetics, and textiles. They could also replace traditional pigment-based products, which often contain toxic chemicals, with safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives. Additionally, the use of structural colors could reduce the need for frequent reapplication or replacement of products, which could have economic and environmental benefits.
Future Outlook
While the researchers have made significant progress in developing butterfly-inspired crystals, further studies are needed to validate their safety and effectiveness. The researchers plan to continue their work on pterins and other natural biomolecules to develop a range of durable and adjustable colors that can be used in various products. With the potential to replace traditional pigment-based products with safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives, the development of butterfly-inspired crystals is an exciting area of research that could have a significant impact on various industries and our daily lives.
Sources
This is an original synthesis by Qivorane based on reporting from the outlets below.