Melanin Creates the Beautiful Blue Color of Blue-Black Grassquit Feathers

Function

The color of the blue-black grassquit feathers’ comes from melanin, which reflects a blue color in ultraviolet light.

Functional Classification

Resouce/Energy/Information Transmission & Production:
Color changing
Defense/Stability:
Light control

Environmental Solution Classification

Related Literature

Rafael Maia et al., Iridescent structural colour production in male blue-black grassquit feather barbules: the role of keratin and melanin, J. R. Soc. Interface, 6, S203-S211, 2009

Technical Application

The reflective feature of melanin has been used to develop thin films that mimic the shiny, blue color of the blue-black grassquit feathers.

Products and Services

Type of Business

Proposals of Applied Technology

This feature can be applied to develop clothes with colors that shine in the sunlight, and that will not fade after multiple washings. Advertising signs can also be developed to utilize sunlight instead of electricity.

Proposals of Applied Industry

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