Increasing Demands and Vanishing Expertise in Insect Integrative Biology

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the recent trends that are applicable to insect integument and color and relevant to the entire field of insect integrative biology. Insects have a prominent place as study objects, sandwiched between a thematic issue on quantitative fluorescence microscopy, and one on Biomaterials Research in Japan. The potential applications in art, design and industry are worth billions per year, as in more fundamental optics. For example, the paint industry is interested in iridescence. Because it contains fragments of multilayer slabs that orient themselves because surface tension effects, some paints can change color with the angle of viewing, as measured from the surface normal. The same effects can be achieved, for instance, in cosmetics. Chitin, one of the building blocks is also used worldwide for numerous purposes. Because their biodegradability, biocompatibility and non-toxicity, chitin, chitosan and their chemical modification products cover a large range of useful applications. The textile and pharmaceutical industries as well as agriculture, water treatment, cosmetics, food and photography use them. It also represents a high point in the evolution of load-bearing tissues because the rate of maturation, low density, tunability and robustness of its mechanical properties, as well as its resistance to moisture, among other properties.