A new theory suggests diffusiophoresis, where particles move in response to concentration gradients, plays a key role in creating distinctive patterns on animal skin.
The theory builds on Alan Turing's reaction-diffusion model but provides a more defined explanation for the patterns seen in certain species.
Understanding this mechanism could help in designing synthetic systems, such as artificial skin patches for medical diagnostics.
A team of researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder has proposed a new theory explaining the formation of distinctive patterns, such as spots and stripes, on animal skin. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, suggests that a mechanism known as diffusiophoresis may play a key role in creating these patterns. Diffusiophoresis is a phenomenon where particles move in response to concentration gradients.
The theory builds on the work of mathematician Alan Turing, who in 1952 proposed that chemical agents produced during tissue development react and form spots, a process known as reaction-diffusion. However, the new study suggests that this process alone does not explain how the patterns remain so defined in certain species.
The researchers ran computer simulations using both theories and found that their hypothesis produced a pattern similar to the sharply defined and bright hexagonal pattern on a boxfish, while Turing's theory produced a picture of blurry purple dots with a faint outline. The findings suggest that with the diffusion of chemical agents, chromatophores (pigment-containing and light-reflecting cells) are also dragged along their trajectory in diffusiophoresis, creating spots and stripes with a much sharper outline.
The researchers also suggest that understanding this mechanism could help in designing synthetic systems, such as artificial skin patches for medical diagnostics. The same physical principles involved in laundry cleaning might contribute to these patterns, according to the study.
The research provides a fresh perspective on a long-standing question in the field of biology and could have significant implications for various scientific and medical applications.
The findings suggest that diffusiophoresis may play a key role in creating distinctive color patterns in nature.
The researchers also suggest that understanding this mechanism could help in designing synthetic systems, such as artificial skin patches for medical diagnostics.
The researchers ran computer simulations using both theories and found that their hypothesis produced a pattern similar to the sharply defined and bright hexagonal pattern on a boxfish, while Turing's theory produced a picture of blurry purple dots with a faint outline.
The findings suggest that with the diffusion of chemical agents, chromatophores are also dragged along their trajectory in diffusiophoresis, creating spots and stripes with a much sharper outline.