Proteins behind diatoms’ intricate nanoscale-patterned shells revealed

The discovery of three new proteins involved in controlling the formation of the intricate patterns of nanoscale pores in diatom shells opens the path towards manipulating the process for applications . These could include patterning in meso- and macroporous materials for photonics, catalysis and sensors.

Diatom shells pose an interesting technical challenge. These single cell algae produce their nanoscale-patterned porous silica walls at ambient temperatures within their cells, whereas scientists would need high temperatures and aggressive chemicals to produce something similar, and cannot reproduce all their intricacies. These shells are also a challenge for fundamental research, as it has proven extremely difficult to pin down the molecular mechanisms involved.