# Octopus-Inspired Color-Changing Inks The University of Hong Kong Developed a New Dyed Ink By Amy Duong | Published 2023-05-23 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/university-of-hong-kong References: [designtaxi](https://designtaxi.com/news/423593/Scientists-Create-Octopus-Inspired-Ink-That-Can-Change-Colors-On-Demand/) & [hku.hk](https://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_26118.html?utm_source=DesignTAXI&utm_medium=DesignTAXI&utm_term=DesignTAXI&utm_content=DesignTAXI&utm_campaign=DesignTAXI)  The researchers at the [University of Hong Kong](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquidfilled-panel) develop a new [color-changing innovation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorchanging-paint-1) that is inspired by a marine creature. The octopus influences a new kind of invention as its special muscles push [colored ink particles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/low-migration-ink) to the surface of its skin. This ability allows the skin of the octopus to change immediately when it is exposed to light and the researchers created an ink that can show off the different colors by moving dyed particles dependent on the light that it interacts with. The particles are made from titanium dioxide -- all of which are made up of dyes and different light responses. When it meets light, a chemical gradient allows the particles to rise to the surface of the solution and other particles will fall deeper. Image Credit: University of Hong Kong ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 15% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Octopus-inspired Color-changing Inks:** Invented by the University of Hong Kong - **Marine Creature-inspired Inks:** Developed as a result of studying the abilities of the octopus and its special muscles - **Light-responsive Ink Particles:** Utilizing titanium dioxide, dyes, and chemical gradients, the ink particles respond to changes in light ### Sectors Adopting This - **Printing:** This technology can revolutionize the printing industry by allowing for dynamic and customizable printing with the use of color-changing ink - **Fashion:** Fashion designers can now incorporate exciting color-changing fabrics and textiles into their designs with these innovations in ink - **Art:** As a result of these new inks, artists can now have access to more dynamic, responsive, and interactive mediums for their creations ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Color-Displaying Ink Variants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kobe-university.md) - [Squid-Inspired Smart Windows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquidfilled-panel.md) - [Squid-Inspired Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heatregulating-materials.md) - [Living Printable Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-ink.md) - [Progressive Rewritable Tattoos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magic-ink.md) - [Car Color-Changing Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/car-color-changing-technology.md) - [Tunable Insulating Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squid-skin.md) - [Automatic Color-Changing Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bmw-ix-flow.md) - [Biomaterial Color-Changing Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sensibiom-2.md)