Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Irrelevant Stimuli and Action Control: Analyzing the Influence of Ignored Stimuli via the Distractor-Response Binding Paradigm
Published on: May 14, 2014
Biomimetic Optical Cellulose Nanocrystal Films with Controllable Iridescent Color and Environmental
Yao-Dong He1, Ze-Lian Zhang1, Juan Xue1
1Center for Degradable and Flame-Retardant Polymeric Materials (ERCPM-MoE), College of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), Sichuan University , 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu 610064, China.
Abstract:
As a wise and profound teacher, nature provides numerous creatures with rich colors to us. To biomimic structural colors in nature as well as color changes responsive to environmental stimuli, there is a long way to go for the development of free-standing photonic films from natural polymers. Herein, a highly flexible, controllably iridescent, and multistimuli-responsive cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) film is prepared by simply introducing a small molecule as both plasticizer and hygroscopic agent. The presence of the additive does not block the self-assembly of CNC in aqueous solution but results in the enhancement of its mechanical toughness, making it possible to obtain free-standing iridescent CNC films with tunable structural colors. In response to environmental humidity and mechanical compression, such films can change structural colors smoothly by modulating their chiral nematic structures. Notably, the chromism is reversible by alternately changing relative humidity between 16 and 98%, mimicking the longhorn beetle Tmesisternus isabellae. This chromic effect enables various applications of the biofilms in colorimetric sensors, anticounterfeiting technology, and decorative coatings.
More Related Videos
07:25Green and Low-cost Production of Thermally Stable and Carboxylated Cellulose Nanocrystals and Nanofibrils Using Highly Recyclable Dicarboxylic Acids
Published on: January 9, 2017
04:51Author Spotlight: Characterizing Environmental Biofilm Mechanics Using Optical Coherence Elastography and its Applications in Wastewater Treatment
Published on: March 1, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Colors and Magnetism
When atoms or molecules absorb light at the proper frequency, their electrons are excited to higher-energy orbitals. For many main group atoms and molecules, the absorbed photons are in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which cannot be detected by the human eye. For coordination compounds, the energy difference between the d orbitals often allows photons in the visible range to be absorbed and emitted, which is seen as colors by the human...
Color Vision
Cellulose and Pectic Polysaccharides
As a cell matures, its cell wall specializes according to its type. For example, the...
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Environmental Influences on Intelligence
Responses to Heat and Cold Stress