Novel, Bioclastic Route to Self-Assembled, 3D, Chemically Tailored Meso/Nanostructures: Shape-Preserving Reactive Conversion of Biosilica (Diatom) Microshells

The reactive conversion of biosilica meso- and nanostrucures into new compositions with retention of shape and fine features is demonstrated. The shape-preserving nature of the chemical conversion process is illustrated for the reaction of silica-based diatom frustules with Mg gas to form MgO (see Figure). This technique is promising for the mass production of a variety of low-cost genetically engineered meso- and nanodevices.