This waxy layer is not just a passive barrier. It is covered with complex crystal structures about two microns thick that act like miniature mirrors. These structures not only reflect blue light, but also ultraviolet (UV) light, which only birds can see.
“The blue color of blueberries cannot be achieved by crushing them,” explains lead researcher Rox Middleton. “We knew the color had to be unique, so we isolated the wax and recreated its structure, resulting in a stunning blue-ultraviolet finish!”
Blueberry wax plays a vital role in protecting the fruit from water loss and harmful microbes. This research suggests that mimicking these structures could lead to innovative, sustainable materials with similar functions.
Source: Ferra
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