Physiological and Biochemical Mechanisms of Insect Color Change Towards Understanding Molecular Links

Pressure Indicator Composite Films via Compressive Deformation of a Translucent Matrix Containing a Contrasting Filler

“…Even among the diverse pigmentary and structural mechanisms for color and color change in Nature, 49 visual stimuli. 50,51 Consequently, we sought to develop a simple model system that demonstrates this concept and to illustrate its utility as a cheap, sustainable pressure indicator with continuous linear response suitable for optical impact assessment.…”

“…Namely, particles dispersed in a translucent matrix should become increasingly visible under compressive plastic deformation as the optical path length of the matrix decreases and their near-surface concentration increases, thereby leading to a pressure-responsive color change on the surface of the composite (Figure ). Even among the diverse pigmentary and structural mechanisms for color and color change in Nature, the closest analogue appears to be the rare physiological color change exhibited by the epidermal cells of the stick insect Carausiu morousus, wherein pigment granules migrate to or from the distal side of the cells through microtubules in response to visual stimuli. , Consequently, we sought to develop a simple model system that demonstrates this concept and to illustrate its utility as a cheap, sustainable pressure indicator with continuous linear response suitable for optical impact assessment.…”