Abstract
Diatoms are widespread unicellular photosynthetic algae that produce unique highly ordered siliceous cell wall, called frustule. Micro- to nanoporous structure with high surface area that can be easily modified, high mechanical resistance, unique optical features (light focusing and luminescence) and biocompatibility make diatom frustule as a suitable raw material for the development of devices such as bio- and gas sensors, microfluidic particle sorting devices, supercapacitors, batteries, solar cells, electroluminescent devices and drug delivery systems. Their wide availability in the form of fossil remains (diatomite or diatomaceous earth) as well as easy cultivation in the artificial conditions further supports use of diatoms in many different fields of application. This review focused on the recent achievements in the diatom bioapplications such as drug delivery, biomolecules immobilization, bio- and gas sensing, since great progress was made in this field over the last several years.
Highlights
REVIEW PAPEREukaryotic, photosynthetic algae widespread in water habitats [1]
Diatoms are widespread unicellular photosynthetic algae that produce unique highly ordered siliceous cell wall, called frustule
The whole diatom cell is surrounded with highly ordered 3D porous cell wall made of amorphous silica, which is often denoted as frustule
Summary
Eukaryotic, photosynthetic algae widespread in water habitats [1]. Since their appearance, diatoms have developed into largest group of eukaryotic algae with more than 105 estimated species [2]. Diatoms have developed into largest group of eukaryotic algae with more than 105 estimated species [2] The facts that they have photosynthetic activity almost equal as all rainforest together and that they produce almost 20 % of the total oxygen and 40 % of the ocean's yearly carbon production illustrate their ecological importance [3]. Remarkable species specific structure of diatom frustule that is preserved from generation to generation, its biogenesis and possible applications receive special attention during last years especially in the growing field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Microto nanoporous structure with high surface area (up to 200 m2/g) that can be modified through genetic
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