Engineering and medical applications of diatoms

Abstract

Biologists, and diatomists in particular, have long studied the properties of single-cell algae, and engineers are just discovering how to exploit features unique to these organisms. Their uniform nanopore structure, microchannels, chemical inertness, and silica microcrystal structure suggest many nanoscale applications. This paper proposes three potential research initiatives taking advantage of diatom morphology and mechanical and chemical properties: (1) embedding diatom frustules in a metal-film membrane; (2) magnetizing frustules for pinpoint drug delivery; and (3) producing silica nanopowders from frustules. The potential benefits of each initiative and its technical challenges are outlined.