Bioinspired Stimuli-Responsive Color-Changing Systems

Abstract

Stimuli-responsive colors are a unique characteristic of certain animals, evolved as either a method to hide from enemies and prey or to communicate their presence to rivals or mates. From a material science perspective, the solutions developed by Mother Nature to achieve these effects are a source of inspiration to scientists for decades. Here, an updated overview of the literature on bioinspired stimuli-responsive color-changing systems is provided. Starting from natural systems, which are the source of inspiration, a classification of the different solutions proposed is given, based on the stimuli used to trigger the color-changing effect.

Keywords: Bragg stacks; bioinspired materials; colloidal crystals; responsive hydrogels; structural colors.