Siliceous diatom frustules – A smart nanotechnology platform

Abstract The pursuit of new nanotechnologies is driven by the demand for miniaturization, ubiquitous computing, increasing connectivity and the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm, the environmental agenda, and the confluence between microelectronics and biomedical fields. Of particular interest for the present overview are the capabilities of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms to fabricate numerous nanostructured self-copies from ecologically friendly and renewable raw materials offering new pathways for low energy consumption, smart nanofabrication at production rates that remain unattainable for today’s engineering technologies. The present discussion is focused on the use of stiff and strong nanostructured silica diatom frustules that is widely mooted in the literature in consideration of photonic, photovoltaic, plasmonic, and drug delivery applications. Chemical post-processing routes can be applied to synthesize and deposit nanostructures (Ag, Au, MnO2, ZnO etc.) using templates and substrates of diatomaceous earth and individual diatom frustules. In this concise overview we discuss the background knowledge, motivation and justification for the use of siliceous diatom frustules as a platform for smart nanofabrication, and attempt to anticipate future developments in this field.