

The University of California, Irvine and the Marine Biological Laboratory have tapped into squid skin to unlock a new frontier in battlefield camouflage.
The two are developing a stretchable material that mimics the color-shifting ability of the longfin inshore squid, something that could one day help troops slip past visual and thermal detection.
The species uses light-reflecting cells called iridophores to instantly shift between transparency and color. This natural survival tactic now forms the basis of the synthetic stealth material with potential military use.
Inside the cells, coils of a protein called reflectin act like natural mirrors, manipulating how light reflects off the squid’s skin.
The researchers have captured the first 3D images of this nano-architecture for the first time, revealing the intricate architecture behind the marine animal’s optical abilities.

“The squid’s ability to rapidly and reversibly transition from transparent to colored is remarkable,” said Alon Gorodetsky, the UC Irvine engineer leading the project.
His team used this biological design as a blueprint to create a material that not only mimics squid’s camouflage, but also extends its effect into the infrared spectrum to help evade thermal imagers and sensors.
‘Multispectral’ Skin
Using the squid’s skin as a guide, the researchers developed a flexible composite material built from nanoscale reflectors and ultra-thin metal films.
The result: a dynamic surface that can change appearance in both visible and infrared light when stretched, bent, or exposed to environmental changes. That versatility opens up potential uses for camouflage in uniforms, unmanned systems, and battlefield sensors.
The team scaled up the material into large arrays, making it viable for use in smart textiles and multispectral displays.
“These bio-inspired materials go beyond simple static color control,” said Ph.D. candidate Aleksandra Strzelecka. “They can actively respond to environmental or mechanical stimuli in real time.”
She also noted that the materials are well-suited for large-scale production, a key factor in bringing them into practical use.
One Step Closer to the Battlefield
The project is funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the US Air Force, both looking to speed up the development of next-gen camouflage systems for military use.
Field tests of the material have shown consistent performance under dynamic conditions, including stretching, flexing, and responding to temperature shifts.
Engineers have already produced working arrays of the material, putting it one step closer to real-world integration.
“We’ve likely just started to scratch the surface of what’s possible with cephalopod-inspired optical materials,” Gorodetsky added.