A dinoflagellate-inspired mechanochromic film for fast and reversible information encryption and display

Inspired by dinoflagellates, we developed a flexible film consisting of spiropyran-based soft polyacrylate and Zn(OTf)(2). The open-ring form of spiropyran coordinated with Zn(OTf)(2) under stretching to produce a visible fluorescent color change from colorless to yellow. The potential of this film was demonstrated for fast and reversible information encryption and decryption.