Researchers Develop Color Changing Paint

Researchers from the Kostas Research Institute at Northeastern University reportedly developed a paint that can change colors when exposed to light. 
 
Inspired by xanthommatin found in cephalopods (octopus or squid) research scientist Cassandra Martin and Dan Wilson found a way to make materials and sustainable coatings that can change and return to its original color. 
 
Titanium dioxide severed as a conductor for the dye to change color, and changing the amount of xanthommatin effected the change and the intensity of the color shift. Changes happened as soon as five minutes and can last as long as 24 hours depending on light exposure. The colorant can be made in as little as two hours and be added to water or oil-based paints. 
 
“We can create temporary artwork or art or paint that could potentially track the weather or track the environment that it’s in,” said Wilson. 
 
“Paints that are commercially used nowadays can have harmful chemicals in them, so they can have things that can be harmful to people painting them,” said Kaitlyn Flynn, an intern and PhD student on the project. “Searching for a more natural way to make these paints creates a safer environment for the people using it and for the people that are going to be exposed to it. 
 
Results were published in Advanced Science. This paint has the potential to serve as an eco-friendly option for paints. Looking forward Martin hope to apply this system to other materials and expand the color palette used in the initial experiment.