Integration of TiO2 into the diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii during frustule synthesis.
Nature has inspired the design of complex hierarchical structures in the field of material science. Diatoms, unicellular algae with a hallmark intricate siliceous cell wall, have provided such a stimulus. Altering the chemistry of the diatom frustule has been explored to expand on the potential application of diatoms. The ability to modify the diatom in vivo opens the possibility to tailor the diatom to the end application. Herein, we report the chemical modification of the living diatom T. weissflogii using a titania precursor, titanium (IV) bis-(ammonium lactato)-dihydroxide (TiBALDH). Incorporation of Ti into the diatom is achieved via repeated treatment of cultures with non-toxic concentrations of TiBALDH. The characteristic architectural features of the diatom are unaltered following chemical modification. Transformation of the living diatom provides opportunity to confer novel structural, chemical or functional properties upon the diatom. We report on a photocatalytic ability imparted upon the TiBALDH-modified diatom.
1] Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials [2] Pharmacology & Therapeutics, School of Medicine [3] Centre for Pain Research, National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
Yvonne
Y
Lang
Francisco
F
del Monte
Brian J
BJ
Rodriguez
Peter
P
Dockery
David P
DP
Finn
Abhay
A
Pandit
D002384:Catalysis; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000187:drug effects; D017377:Diatoms / Q000187:drug effects*; D014025:Titanium / Q000494:pharmacology*
C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium