Artificial chameleon skin detects seafood spoilage
Supramolecular system changes colour across almost the full visible spectrum
A material inspired by chameleon skin can reveal seafood freshness and could one day be used by colour-changing robots as a means of disguise.
Panther chameleons can rapidly change colour through a wide range of different hues, but researchers have struggled to recreate these properties in artificial soft materials. Now, materials scientists inspired by the unique structure of chameleon skin have designed a supramolecular hydrogel system that changes colour in response to external chemical stimuli.