Reversible Temperature Sensing using Blue-Winged Grasshopper Coloracris azureus Wings.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials science
• Structural coloration
• Bio-inspired engineering

Background:

• Thermochromic materials are vital for applications like sensors and anti-counterfeiting.
• Natural materials with responsive color changes are underexplored for temperature sensing.
• Existing biological color changes are often limited and irreversible.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of Coloracris azureus grasshopper wings as a bio-thermometer.
• To understand the mechanism behind the thermochromic properties of the grasshopper wings.
• To explore the feasibility of using these wings as sustainable, power-free temperature sensors.

Main Methods:

• Microspectrophotometry
• Light microscopy
• Raman microscopy

Main Results:

• The hindwings of Coloracris azureus exhibit reversible thermochromism from blue to purple/red in the 30-100°C range.
• The blue color is pigmentary, arising from an astaxanthin-protein complex.
• The color shift is due to carotenoprotein denaturation and is reversible.
• Color changes are swift and consistent, suitable for curved surfaces.

Conclusions:

• Grasshopper wings function as a reversible, power-free bio-thermometer.
• The thermochromic mechanism involves carotenoprotein denaturation.
• This demonstrates the potential for sustainable, bio-inspired temperature sensors.