Octopus-inspired deception and signaling systems from an exceptionally-stable acene variant.

Multifunctional platforms that can dynamically modulate their color and appearance have attracted attention for applications as varied as displays, signaling, camouflage, anti-counterfeiting, sensing, biomedical imaging, energy conservation, and robotics. Within this context, the development of camouflage systems with tunable spectroscopic and fluorescent properties that span the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared spectral regions has remained exceedingly challenging because of frequently competing materials and device design requirements. Herein, we draw inspiration from the unique blue rings of the Hapalochlaena lunulata octopus for the development of deception and signaling systems that resolve these critical challenges.

Long-Range Proton Transport in Films from a Reflectin-Derived Polypeptide.

Protein- and peptide-based proton conductors have been extensively studied because of their important roles in biological processes and established potential for bioelectronic device applications. However, despite much progress, the demonstration of long-range proton transport for such materials has remained relatively rare. Herein, we fabricate, electrically interrogate, and physically characterize films from a reflectin-derived polypeptide.

Structure, self-assembly, and properties of a truncated reflectin variant.

Naturally occurring and recombinant protein-based materials are frequently employed for the study of fundamental biological processes and are often leveraged for applications in areas as diverse as electronics, optics, bioengineering, medicine, and even fashion. Within this context, unique structural proteins known as reflectins have recently attracted substantial attention due to their key roles in the fascinating color-changing capabilities of cephalopods and their technological potential as biophotonic and bioelectronic materials. However, progress toward understanding reflectins has been hindered by their atypical aromatic and charged residue-enriched sequences, extreme sensitivities to subtle changes in environmental conditions, and well-known propensities for aggregation.