Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Current research into diatom EPS on the other hand is looking towards
nanotechnology to advance its ield. This is related to the tenacity of diatoms
to adhere to artiicial marine surfaces (ships, pipes, and ilters), producing
slime layers and instigating bioilm formation that is problematic and costly
for the marine industry. Studies on the mechanisms of diatom adhesion and
chemical composition of their adhesives have sought to provide clues for
possible genetic and molecular targets for prevention of their detrimental
attachment to surfaces.
3
An applied approach to the problem has been to
perform cell adhesion assays to assess the potential of different materials to
act as “non-stick” surfaces or coatings. There has been a recent emergence
in designing dynamic, multifaceted surfaces by way of nanostructuring with
nanomaterials and tailored chemistries to gain iner control over the cell-
surface interactions.
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It is hoped that through nanotechnology approaches,
the design of these “smart” surfaces will address the complexity and
diversity of diatom adhesion and adhesives and enhance antifouling surface
properties. With new worldwide environmental legislation prohibiting the
use of toxic antifouling coatings and tightening restrictions on biocides,
nanotechnology will be one of the sciences relied upon to come up with
environmentally friendly solutions.
The idea of learning from, or mimicking, diatoms to assemble and
synthesize new materials, structures or adhesives on the same scale has been
around since the early electron microscopy structural studies observing cell
wall formation and EPS production.
1,2
The recent excitement surrounding
“diatom inspired nanotechnology” can be attributed to current research
trends, greater awareness by researchers outside the ield and emergence of
tangible diatom-based nanotechnology applications,
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including gas sensors,
photonic crystals and solar cells. The exhaustive work in elucidating the
mechanistic origins and genetic and molecular processes
3,4,12
has also
brought nanotechnology researchers closer to an understanding of the cell
wall and EPS biology and their potential applications. Much of this work has
required the novel application and development of new techniques, capable
of probing diatoms at sub-micron length scales. Genetic and molecular tools
have been important, as well as microscopy techniques for morphological
characterization. In terms of the latter, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and
its application to study the diatom cell wall has played a signiicant role in
advancing our understanding of biomineralization and morphogenesis at
the nanometre scale. Its unique ability to measure nanoscale forces has also
provided discoveries on the design, mechanical properties and function of
diatom adhesives. The purpose of this chapter is to emphasize the impetus
AFM has provided in placing diatoms under the nanotechnology spotlight by
highlighting some of the research in this ield.
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