Revolutionary Insights into Squid Skin Could Transform Camouflage Technology

In a groundbreaking study published on June 28, 2025, researchers at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), alongside experts from the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, have unveiled the intricate mechanisms behind the remarkable color-changing abilities of squid skin. The study focuses on the longfin inshore squid (Doryteuthis pealeii), native to the Atlantic Ocean, and explores how their unique skin structure can inspire innovative materials for adaptive camouflage and other applications.

Historically, cephalopods have captivated scientists due to their exceptional ability to rapidly alter their skin coloration and transparency. These adaptations are vital for communication and camouflage in their natural habitats. The new research sheds light on the nanoscale structures within squid skin that facilitate these rapid transformations.

The research team, led by Alon Gorodetsky, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at UCI, utilized advanced imaging techniques known as holotomography to investigate the nanoscale architecture of the squid's iridophores—specialized cells responsible for color change. "In nature, many animals use Bragg reflectors, which selectively transmit and reflect light at specific wavelengths, for structural coloration," Gorodetsky stated. The study reveals that these iridophore cells contain a unique protein called reflectin, which forms spiral columns capable of manipulating light.

Georgii Bogdanov, a postdoctoral researcher at UCI and co-author of the study, emphasized the significance of their findings, noting that these structures enable cephalopods to control how their skin transmits and reflects light. This discovery could pave the way for developing smart materials that mimic these natural processes.

The researchers went a step further by engineering flexible materials inspired by squid skin. By incorporating nanostructured metal films, they created materials capable of shifting appearance in both the visible and infrared spectrums when subjected to external stimuli such as stretching or heating. "These bioinspired materials go beyond simple static color control, as they can dynamically adjust both their appearances in the visible and infrared wavelengths in response to stimuli," said Aleksandra Strzelecka, a PhD student at UCI and co-author of the research.

The implications of this research extend far beyond aesthetic applications. Potential uses for these innovative materials include adaptive camouflage for military applications, responsive fabrics for personal wear, multispectral displays, and advanced sensors for various industries. Gorodetsky noted, "This study is an exciting demonstration of the power of coupling basic and applied research. We have likely just started to scratch the surface of what is possible for cephalopod-inspired tunable optical materials in our laboratory."

The technology developed from this research could enhance laser outputs, filter signals in fiber-optic communication, boost solar-cell efficiency, and enable real-time structural health monitoring in critical infrastructure such as bridges and aircraft. As researchers continue to refine these materials, efforts are underway to improve the response time of the films and develop biodegradable versions for use in sensors and medical applications.

As the study highlights, the mastery of cephalopods in manipulating light offers a wealth of knowledge for materials scientists and engineers. The journey from deciphering the biology of squid skin to creating functional, scalable materials represents a significant leap forward in the fields of optics and materials science. This research not only underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration but also opens new avenues for technological advancements inspired by the natural world. As Gorodetsky's team continues their work, the next chapter in the integration of biology and engineering is poised to redefine our understanding of adaptive materials, potentially leading to applications that blend vivid colors with invisible infrared control in everyday products.

This transformative study, published in the journal Science, is a testament to the innovative potential of nature-inspired research, heralding a future where squid-inspired technologies become commonplace in various sectors—from military to consumer products. The research team's findings are a clear indication that the intersection of biology and engineering holds untapped promise for addressing 21st-century challenges.