Cephalopod-inspired Design of photo-mechanically Modulated Display Systems for on-demand Fluorescent Patterning

Cephalopods can display variable body color/patterns upon environmental stimulation via bioelectricity-controlled muscle contraction/expansion of skin chromatophores. However, it remains challenging to produce their artificial display analogues that exhibit reversible and rapid switch between multiple expected luminescent patterns, but such systems are very appealing for many practical uses (e.g., data encryption). Inspired by the bioelectro-mechanical display tactic of Cephalopods, here we present a conceptually new photo-mechanically modulated fluorescent system that enables on-demand display of fluorescent patterns via a cascading stimulation-mechanical movement-optical output conduction mechanism. Specifically, this biomimetic system comprises a customizable hollow display panel, and a bottom-tethered photo-thermally responsive fluorescent actuator. Under NIR light, the photo-mechanically bending movements of fluorescent actuator will immediately cover the hollow window of display panel, and synchronously manifest as the display of fluorescent patterns. Owing to its desirable time- and light power-dependent actuating behaviors, diverse fluorescent patterns/information can be dynamically and reversibly displayed by facilely controlling this single remote NIR signal. This bio-inspired strategy is universal and promising for fabricating on-demand fluorescent display platforms that combine a wide choice of fluorophores, remote control with high spatial/temporal precision, and especially single-input multiple-output features. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.