Article abstract
Nature Materials 6, 533 - 538 (2007)
Published online: 3 June 2007 | doi:10.1038/nmat1930
Subject Categories: Biological materials | Optical, photonic and optoelectronic materials
The self-organizing properties of squid reflectin protein
Ryan M. Kramer1, Wendy J. Crookes-Goodson1 & Rajesh R. Naik1
Abstract
Reflectins, a recently identified protein family that is enriched in aromatic and sulphur-containing amino acids, are used by certain cephalopods to manage and manipulate incident light in their environment. These proteins are the predominant constituent of nanoscaled photonic structures that function in static and adaptive colouration, extending visual performance and intra-species communication. Our investigation into recombinantly expressed reflectin has revealed unanticipated self-assembling and behavioural properties, and we demonstrate that reflectin can be easily processed into thin films, photonic grating structures and fibres. Our findings represent a key step in our understanding of the property–function relationships of this unique family of reflective proteins.
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Biotechnology Group, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio 45433, USA
Correspondence to: Rajesh R. Naik1 e-mail: rajesh.naik@wpafb.af.mil
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.
