Scientists Produce Powerhouse Pigment Behind Octopus Camouflage
13 days ago
- #biotechnology
- #pigment
- #camouflage
- Scientists at UC San Diego developed a new method to produce large amounts of xanthommatin, the pigment behind octopus camouflage.
- The breakthrough involves a 'growth coupled biosynthesis' technique, linking pigment production to bacterial survival, yielding up to 1,000 times more pigment than traditional methods.
- Xanthommatin has potential applications in materials, cosmetics, photoelectronic devices, thermal coatings, dyes, and UV protectants.
- The study, published in Nature Biotechnology, was funded by multiple organizations, including the National Institutes of Health and the Office of Naval Research.
- The new method could help industries shift from fossil fuel-based materials to nature-based alternatives.
- Future applications include camouflage technology, natural sunscreens, color-changing paints, and environmental sensors.