Neon tetra fish (Paracheirodon innesi) as farm-to-optical-table Bragg reflectors

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of neon tetra fish skin iridophore networks as biologically sourced, tunable Bragg reflectors, presenting methods for rapid post-processing, fixation, and longevity enhancement of their structural color for potential optical applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to utilize fish skin iridophores as tunable optical reflectors with methods for quick processing and improved durability.

Findings

Developed a fast post-processing method for iridophore color modification.

Established fixation and environment conditions to enhance color longevity.

Achieved increased lifetime of iridophore color through infiltration and embedding techniques.

Abstract

Iridophore networks in the skin of neon tetra fish are investigated for use as biologically sourced, tunable, Bragg reflector arrays. This paper reports on a method for immediate and fast post-processing of tissue to modify the structural color of iridophores found in the lateral color stripe. Conditions for fixation as well as the environment post-fixation to improve longevity of the structural color are also presented. Recent results from attempts to further increase the lifetime of post-mortem iridophore color through infiltration and embedding in low-acid glycol methacrylate are also discussed.