title: Functionalization of the living diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii with thiol moieties.
abstract: Biomineralization processes identified within diatoms have inspired the design of synthetic silica structures in vitro using alkoxysilane precursors. Here we explore the use of the machinery within the living diatom to fabricate organo-silica constructs using a combination of alkoxysilane and organoalkoxysilane precursors. We report on the incorporation of thiol moieties into the diatom during frustule synthesis. Formation of valves within the parent diatom is monitored using fluorescence microscopy, and the modification of the chemical composition of the diatom is confirmed using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and (29)Si-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Chemical modification is achieved without loss of the nano-scale architectural features of the frustule. Extension of this work may allow the chemistry of the diatom to be tailored during synthesis.
authors.affiliation: 1] Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland [2] Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Yvonne
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: del Monte
authors.forename: Liam
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.forename: Brian J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: Kerry
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dockery
authors.forename: David P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Finn
authors.forename: Abhay
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pandit
mesh_terms: D002473:Cell Wall / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017377:Diatoms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D049329:Nanostructures; D056951:Photoelectron Spectroscopy; D012821:Silanes / Q000737:chemistry*; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D012821:Silanes; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D012822:Silicon Dioxide