Northeastern University researchers develop butterfly-inspired structural colors

Researchers at Northeastern University are developing new colorants inspired by the microscopic physical structures found on butterfly wings. Unlike traditional pigments that rely on chemical molecules to absorb and reflect light, these “structural colors” are produced by tiny physical architectures that bend, scatter, and interfere with specific wavelengths of light.

This method offers two primary advantages over conventional dyes and pigments. First, structural colors are highly durable and resistant to fading because they do not rely on light-sensitive molecules that break down when exposed to sunlight. Second, this approach could provide a safer alternative to many commercial pigments and metal oxides used in products like cosmetic glitter, which can pose risks to human health and the environment.

The findings, which include studies on butterflies from the Pieridae family, are being presented at the American Chemical Society Fall 2026 meeting.