A research team led by professors from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has harnessed the remarkable UV vision of butterfly to create a groundbreaking imaging sensor. This sensor, designed after the Papilio xuthus butterfly’s enhanced visual system, is capable of “seeing” into the ultraviolet (UV) range, a part of the spectrum imperceptible to the human eye. By employing perovskite nanocrystals and stacked photodiodes, this innovative technology can differentiate between cancer cells and healthy cells with an astounding 99% confidence level.
Butterflies can perceive a broader range of colours, including ultraviolet (UV) light, due to their compound eyes with multiple photoreceptor classes. Unlike humans with trichromatic vision, butterflies have more than three photoreceptor classes with distinct spectral sensitivities. This allows them to see small variations in the UV spectrum, a feat impossible for humans, who cannot distinguish different UV wavelengths.
EMULATING BUTTERFLY VISION
To replicate the UV sensing mechanism of the Papilio xuthus butterfly, the research team combined a thin layer of perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) with a tiered array of silicon photodiodes. PNCs are semiconductor nanocrystals that excel at detecting UV and lower wavelengths, which traditional silicon detectors cannot. The PNC layer absorbs UV photons and re-emits visible (green) light, which is then detected by the silicon photodiodes. This technology allows for the mapping and identification of UV signatures.
CANCER DETECTION AND BEYOND
The sensor’s ability to differentiate between UV signatures has significant implications for healthcare. Many cancer-related markers, such as amino acids, proteins, and enzymes, fluoresce in the UV and visible spectra when exposed to UV light. As a result, the sensor can distinguish cancer cells from healthy cells based on their UV fluorescence. This technology can potentially aid surgeons during cancer surgery by helping determine the extent of tissue removal required for clear margins.
Beyond healthcare, this UV imaging sensor has diverse applications. It opens opportunities for biologists to explore species with UV vision, allowing them to gain insights into hunting and mating behaviours. Additionally, taking the sensor underwater can enhance the understanding of underwater environments, as many animals underwater also use and see UV light, making it valuable for studying aquatic life and ecosystems.
The butterfly-inspired UV imaging sensor marks a significant advancement in both medical diagnostics and ecological research, harnessing the remarkable visual abilities of these insects to aid in various fields.
