Files and links (1)
Published (Version of Record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Hierarchical woven fibrillar structures in developing single gyroids in butterflies
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS, Vol.122(40), e2507297122
2025
PMID: 41004231
Abstract
Nature offers a remarkable diversity of nanomaterials that have extraordinary functional and structural properties. Intrinsic to nature is the impressive ability to form complex ordered nanomaterials via self-organization. One particularly intriguing nanostructure is the gyroid, a network-like structure exhibiting high symmetry and complex topology. Although its existence in cells and tissues across many biological kingdoms is well documented, how and why it forms remains elusive and uncovering these formation mechanisms will undoubtedly inform bioinspired designs. A beautiful example is the smooth single gyroid that is found in the wing scales of several butterflies, where it behaves as a photonic crystal generating a vibrant green color. Here, we report that the gyroid structures of the Emerald-patched Cattleheart, Parides sesostris, develop as woven fibrillar structures, in contrast to the commonly held assumption that they form as smooth constructs. Ultramicroscopy of pupal tissue reveals that the gyroid geometry consists of helical weavings of fibers, akin to hyperbolic line patterns decorating the gyroid. Interestingly, despite their fibrillar nature, electron diffraction reveals the absence of crystalline order within this material. Similar fibrillar structures are also observed in the mature wing scales of P. sesostris specimens with surgically altered pupal development, leading to a blue coloration. Our findings not only introduce a variation of the gyroid in biology but also have significant implications for our understanding of its formation in nature.
Details
- Title
- Hierarchical woven fibrillar structures in developing single gyroids in butterflies
- Authors/Creators
- Anna-Lee Jessop - Murdoch UniversityPeta L Clode - The University of Western AustraliaMartin Saunders - The University of Western AustraliaMyfanwy E Evans - University of PotsdamStephen T Hyde - Australian National UniversityJames N McPherson - Technical University of DenmarkKasper S Pedersen - Technical University of DenmarkJacob J K Kirkensgaard - University of CopenhagenNipam H Patel - Marine Biological LaboratoryKyle A DeMarr - University of California, BerkeleyW Owen McMillan - Smithsonian Tropical Research InstituteBodo D Wilts - University of SalzburgGerd E Schröder-Turk - Murdoch University
- Publication Details
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS, Vol.122(40), e2507297122
- Publisher
- National Academy of Sciences.
- Grant note
- RGP0034/202 / Human Frontiers Science Program DP200102593 / Department of Education and Training | Australian Research Council (ARC)
- Identifiers
- 991005814543807891
- Copyright
- © 2025 the Author(s).
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry and Physics
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Metrics
33 File views/ downloads
9 Record Views