Octopus-inspired tech can signal and deceive

This marine creature, native to the Western and Indian Oceans, is known for its unique ability to rapidly change the colour and pattern of its skin, which assists in camouflage, signalling, and even deception.

The UCI team, led by Alon Gorodetsky, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, and Preeta Pratakshya, a recent PhD. graduate, have successfully replicated these natural capabilities in a technological format. Their innovation promises to transform various fields, including the military, medicine, robotics, and sustainable energy.

The core of this technology lies in its architectural design, which features a thin film composed of wrinkled blue rings on a brown background, reminiscent of the greater blue ring octopus's skin. This film is strategically placed between a transparent proton-conducting electrode and an acrylic membrane, with another identical electrode beneath it.

At the molecular level, the team has innovatively utilised acenes, particularly a designer nonacene-like molecule comprising nine linearly fused benzene rings. These molecules exhibit remarkable stability and resilience, capable of enduring years of storage in air and prolonged exposure to bright light without significant degradation.

One of the most significant aspects of this technology is its self-repairing ability, mimicking the octopus's natural healing processes. In laboratory tests, the bioinspired devices demonstrated the capacity to alter their visible appearance over 500 times with minimal degradation. Furthermore, these devices can autonomously self-repair, reducing the need for constant maintenance.

This octopus-inspired technology operates across a broad spectrum, including ultraviolet, visible light, and near-infrared, enabling it to effectively disguise objects from detection or send clandestine signals. This versatility, combined with its robust photophysical properties and ease of fabrication, opens new avenues for exploration in optoelectronics, including applications in light-emitting diodes and solar cells.

The research team's effort is a testament to the potential of nature-inspired design in advancing technological solutions. This innovation, detailed in a recent publication in Nature Communications, has garnered support from several prestigious institutions, including the Office of Naval Research, the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the National Science Foundation.

The UCI team's exploration into the realm of biomimicry not only presents a new frontier in material science but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in pushing the boundaries of innovation.

As the world continues to seek sustainable and efficient technological solutions, the octopus-inspired technology is leading the way in blending the wonders of the natural world with the ingenuity of human creativity.