Bioinspired Multifunctional and Dynamic Color-Tuning Photonic Devices
Abbas Ahmed1, Shuai Zhou2, Binhong Yu3,4
1Polymer Program, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States.
Chemical Reviews
|June 9, 2025
Summary
This review explores bioinspired structural color-tuning photonic devices, mimicking nature for advanced applications. It covers design, fabrication, and uses in sensing, robotics, and displays.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Materials Science
- Biomimicry and Nanotechnology
Background:
- Nature utilizes structural color for communication and camouflage.
- Bioinspired photonic devices leverage physical structures for tunable colors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in bioinspired structural color-tuning photonic devices.
- To explore design principles, fabrication, and applications of these devices.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of natural structural color mechanisms.
- Review of photonic nano/microscale building blocks (1D, 2D, 3D).
- Examination of fabrication techniques and biomimetic material systems.
Main Results:
- Overview of diverse bioinspired structural color systems.
- Discussion of dynamic structural color device fabrication.
- Highlighting breakthroughs in sensing, robotics, encryption, displays, and energy.
Conclusions:
- Bioinspired photonic devices offer tunable color properties.
- Structure-function relationships are key for advanced optical materials.
- Future potential lies in novel applications and material development.
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