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Scientists are turning to the natural world, specifically butterflies, as inspiration for developing new coatings that avoid the use of harmful, chemical-based pigments. The vivid hues seen on butterfly wings may hold the key to safer and more durable alternatives to conventional paints and glitters. This research is being conducted at Northeastern University (NU) in Boston, where investigators are exploring how nature achieves these striking colors without relying on synthetic chemicals.
The focus of the study is a phenomenon known as structural colour. Unlike traditional pigments—which produce color through chemical absorption and reflection of light—structural colour arises from microscopic formations that interact with light waves to create shimmering effects. Examples include the bright iridescence on butterfly wings and peacock feathers. On the other hand, many colors we commonly see, such as the orange of carrots, result from pigments like carotenoids that reflect specific wavelengths; however, these pigments can degrade over time when exposed to sunlight.
The problem with many synthetic pigments is that they often contain toxic elements such as lead, cobalt, and arsenic, raising concerns about environmental and human health impacts. In contrast, butterfly coloration stems from tiny crystalline structures that manipulate light to reflect select wavelengths, producing vibrant colors without harmful substances. Leila Deravi, an associate professor of chemistry and chemical biology at NU, has focused her research on crystalline pterin compounds found on the wings of the cabbage white butterfly. Her team believes it may be possible to modify the color output by adjusting the size and organization of these crystals.
Although comprehensive safety evaluations of pterin-based materials have not yet been completed, Deravi emphasizes their natural origin as a promising sign. She states, “They’re safe for the environment, they’re safe for people, and they don’t have a lot of downstream toxicity like some of the forever chemicals used in synthetic pigmentary dyes.” The current challenge lies in scaling up production from their present capability of generating only tiny, milligram-sized crystals. Despite this, Deravi is optimistic about the commercial prospects of this approach. She notes, “Ultimately, there’s still a great deal left to learn about biological colour. It’s something we all interact with daily in the flowers, insects and animals around us, yet the underlying mechanisms behind their long-lived, fade-resistant colour are still being defined.”
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