He the secret to creating the invisibility cloak, that recurring superpower in science fiction, would be in the garden of many a home. The key, which researchers have been studying for decades, is brochosomes, a substance secreted by grasshoppers. Technically these are hydrophobic particles that do not mix with water and which also reduce light reflection.
Literature and cinema presented inventions as invisible. From the famous novel by H.G. Wells. Invisible Man, passing through Wonder Woman’s plane, to the cloak with which Harry Potter sneaks in. Beyond fiction, formal science can make its contribution. Recently, researchers from Pennsylvania State University (PSU) in the US discovered new promising study on brochosomes.
By unraveling the mysteries that still hang over these particles, scientists hope to make progress in developing innovative materials. Moreover, the camouflage provided by invisibility cloaks is not the only purpose they serve. Synthetic generation of matter will give way to more efficient systems for collecting solar energy. It will also allow us to create better pharmaceutical products to protect against sun damage. And something else that is definitely interesting: it will also allow us to do design. new ways to encrypt information.
The dream of an invisibility cloak, close to reality
“Brochosomes are unique to grasshoppers. and closely related species of insects of the leafhopper family. These particles are not produced or found naturally in other organisms or habitats,” he explains in dialogue with Hypertext Tak Sing Wongone of the authors of a study recently published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
A professor of mechanical and biomedical engineering comments that his research a particle that would allow the creation of invisibility cloaks They started almost ten years ago. However, it should be noted that this substance has been of scientific interest for many years. Brochosomes were first documented in the 1950s, according to a statement from PSU.
The above-mentioned insects—also known as cicadas or planthoppers in some countries—excrete this whitish substance and distribute it throughout their body, as well as in their eggs. Until now, experts have not been able to understand the purpose of this habit. But investigations involving Wong have confirmed that The particles act as a light filter. extremely effective. In numbers: they reduce light reflection by 94%.
“We will be able to develop better optical coatings,” the researcher notes.
In scholarly terms, Wong makes no direct reference to the invisibility cloak. But it highlights the exceptional capabilities and uses of brochosomes that they have replicated in synthetic form. “These discoveries will allow us to develop more efficient optical coatings for controlling light,” he says.
Tell us how the idea of an in-depth study of the function of brochosomes came about.
We began our research in 2015, fascinated by its complex geometry and nanoscopic dimensions. In 2017, we published our first paper on synthetic brochosomes in Natural communications. We then successfully modeled aspects of the brochosome geometry to study their optical properties.
How have the investigations progressed and what have they found so far? It’s tempting to think about creating invisibility cloaks..
In our recent work we created the first high-precision geometry of brochosomes. We did this using advanced 3D printing technology. This study allowed us to study in great detail how light interacts with the complex structure of brochosomes.
What does working with reverse engineering mean within the framework of this research?
Dr. Lin Wang, co-author of the study, studied the geometry of brochosomes in different species of grasshoppers and systematically measured the diameters of their particles and pores. In addition, he examined its internal transverse structures. Based on this information, we accurately reconstruct the model using computer drawing. We then fabricate these structures on a microscale using a state-of-the-art 3D printer.
What challenges did you encounter during this research?
Replicating synthetic brochosomes to the same size as natural ones remains a technical challenge. The most advanced 3D printers do not have the resolution to print samples with a diameter of 500 nanometers. To address this issue, we increased the diameter of synthetic brochosomes to 20,000 nanometers and used longer wavelengths of light (i.e., near- and mid-infrared light) to study brochosome interactions with light and obtain more information.
After tests in the laboratory, we found out why grasshoppers use this substance? Is this some kind of special camouflage?
Based on our research, we assume that they use it for Significantly reduce the reflection of ultraviolet and visible light. Thus, they reduce their visibility to predators such as birds and beetles whose visual spectrum falls within these wavelengths. This hypothesis remains to be tested in the field.
Aside from the invisibility cloak idea, could you elaborate on what conclusions you came to in your new research?
Our work has revealed how the unique geometry of brochosomes leads to their anti-glare function. In particular, the brochosome is the first biological example to demonstrate short-wave low-pass filter functionality. This includes applications in anti-reflective coatings and camouflage technology. In addition, this will make it possible to create optical encryption systems – an information security system that will be visible only at certain wavelengths of light.
Camouflage is one thing, but the superpower that comes with an invisibility cloak is another. Can synthetic brochosome really be used for this purpose?
Our results suggest the possibility of designing synthetic brochosomes to manipulate light in a specific wavelength range. Thus, visibility for observers in this range is significantly reduced.
Regarding your work, the concept of bio-inspiration is interesting. This seems to be another example of how nature keeps wonderful secrets. How important is it for you to observe the world for scientific inspiration?
This is very relevant. In the lab I direct at the University of Pennsylvania, we constantly analyze the strategies of natural species. There we use advanced micro- and nanofabrication technologies to reproduce these materials and find effective applications. There are more than 8 million natural species recorded on Earth. Nature continually inspires innovation in materials to solve our technological challenges..
Next steps in an investigation that will unlock layers of invisibility
As Wong points out, the main obstacle in this research is the replication of brochosomes, which are very small. The synthetic emulator they created, more voluminous compared to the original, hardly has one-fifth of the hair’s diameter.
“As a next step, our goal is to overcome the limitations of nanofabrication and create synthetic brochosomes that are closer in size to natural ones,” the researcher comments. “We believe there are many more interesting properties to be discovered,” he concludes enthusiastically.
Before ending the conversation, we ask the specialist whether he has received comments from third parties regarding the connection of his research with science fiction images. Has anyone mentioned this Research into grasshopper brochosomes could create an invisibility cloaklike Harry Potter? True to his scientific formality, Wong preferred to diplomatically avoid the issue.
Source: Hiper Textual
