Biogenic Silica Patterning: Simple Chemistry or Subtle Biology?

Silica chemistry in the living world. Some microorganisms, such as diatoms (see figure), have learned to build up finely patterned mineral structures by using the many possibilities of silica chemistry and adapting themselves to its constraints. Association of biomimetic chemical approaches with molecular biology techniques should lead to a better understanding of the strategies used by natural systems and should thus provide novel guidelines for material design.