Chromatophore organs in cephalopod skin are known to produce ultra-fast changes in appearance for camouflage and communication. Light-scattering pigment granules within chromatocytes have been presumed to be the sole source of coloration in these complex organs. We report the discovery of structural coloration emanating in precise register with expanded pigmented chromatocytes. Concurrently, using an annotated squid chromatophore proteome together with microscopy, we identify a likely biochemical component of this reflective coloration as reflectin proteins distributed in sheath cells that envelop each chromatocyte. Additionally, within the chromatocytes, where the pigment resides in nanostructured granules, we find the lens protein Ω- crystallin interfacing tightly with pigment molecules. These findings offer fresh perspectives on the intricate biophotonic interplay between pigmentary and structural coloration elements tightly co-located within the same dynamic flexible organ - a feature that may help inspire the development of new classes of engineered materials that change color and pattern.
We describe an approach to build a chemo-mechatronic system inspired by self-folding robots. This system, which comprises a protein-based hydrogel bound to a low-profile laminate, responds to different aqueous environments by undergoing geometric transformations. This response is dependent on the thickness and stiffness of the templating hydrogel, which directly regulates the This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. 2 diffusion of water into and out of the platform to initiate its reversible shape changes. When modified to include more complex geometries, these controllable shape changes can also be used to selectively trigger multiple folding events, illustrating a new platform for chemically-initiated mechatronic devices. Together, our data show how compositionally discrete components are physically, chemically, and mechanically coupled together to generate a new actuator for bio-hybrid self-folding systems.
This paper presents the design, fabrication, and operation of a chemo-mechatronic system that changes its geometry and electrical functionality in the presence of specific chemical signals. To accomplish this, we integrated a protein hydrogel with an aluminum substrate and flexible circuit in a low-profile laminate. To demonstrate the concept, we have built and tested a sensor that lights an LED when actuated in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG).
A synthetic strategy is described to repurpose human extracellular matrix protein binding domains to catalyse the condensation of silica nanostructures in water for a seamlessly integrated biocomposite material.
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