The characterization of reflectin protonic conductivity

• Main Author: Reyes, Jacob
• Other Authors: Ali Gilles Tchenguise Miserez
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Engineering::Materials::Biomaterials; Engineering::Materials::Photonics and optoelectronics materials
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/166716
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Cephalopods, such as the Sepioteuthis lessioniana (S. lessionia), possess the remarkable defensive mechanism of camouflage, seemingly altering incoming light and changing the colour of its skin to its surrounding environment. Research has revealed that this ability stems from the cephalopod’s iridophores, and, more importantly, reflectin protein nanoparticles that alter the dimension and structure of the overall ensemble of said iridophores. Through hydration and swelling/deswelling of thin-film layers of these reflectin proteins, this study’s main focus is to explore the optical and electrical properties of SlRF-B1 thin films. Field-Effect Transistor devices were also constructed to test whether colour change within SlRF-B1 thin films could be induced electrically, thereby paving way for further research into eco-friendly biophotonic devices and coatings.