Structure-based optics of centric diatom frustules: modulation of the in vivo light field for efficient diatom photosynthesis

TY - JOUR

T1 - Structure-based optics of centric diatom frustules

T2 - modulation of the in vivo light field for efficient diatom photosynthesis

AU - Gössling, Johannes Wilhelm

AU - Su, Yanyan

AU - Sousa Dias Cartaxana, Paulo Jorge

AU - Maibohm, Christian

AU - Rickelt, Lars F

AU - Trampe, Erik Christian Løvbjerg

AU - Walby, Sandra L.

AU - Wangpraseurt, Daniel

AU - Wu, Xia

AU - Ellegaard, Marianne

AU - Kühl, Michael

PY - 2018/7

Y1 - 2018/7

N2 - The optical properties of diatom silicate frustules inspire photonics and nanotechnology research. Whether light interaction with the nano-structure of the frustule also affects diatom photosynthesis has remained unclear due to lack of information on frustule optical properties under more natural conditions. Here we demonstrate that the optical properties of the frustule valves in water affect light harvesting and photosynthesis in live cells of centric diatoms (Coscinodiscus granii). Microscale cellular mapping of photosynthesis around localized spot illumination demonstrated optical coupling of chloroplasts to the valve wall. Photonic structures of the three-layered C. granii valve facilitated light redistribution and efficient photosynthesis in cell regions distant from the directly illuminated area. The different porous structure of the two sides of the valve exhibited photon trapping and forward scattering of blue light enhancing photosynthetic active radiation inside the cell. Photonic structures of diatom frustules thus alter the cellular light field with implications on diatom photobiology.

AB - The optical properties of diatom silicate frustules inspire photonics and nanotechnology research. Whether light interaction with the nano-structure of the frustule also affects diatom photosynthesis has remained unclear due to lack of information on frustule optical properties under more natural conditions. Here we demonstrate that the optical properties of the frustule valves in water affect light harvesting and photosynthesis in live cells of centric diatoms (Coscinodiscus granii). Microscale cellular mapping of photosynthesis around localized spot illumination demonstrated optical coupling of chloroplasts to the valve wall. Photonic structures of the three-layered C. granii valve facilitated light redistribution and efficient photosynthesis in cell regions distant from the directly illuminated area. The different porous structure of the two sides of the valve exhibited photon trapping and forward scattering of blue light enhancing photosynthetic active radiation inside the cell. Photonic structures of diatom frustules thus alter the cellular light field with implications on diatom photobiology.

U2 - 10.1111/nph.15149

DO - 10.1111/nph.15149

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 29672846

SN - 1469-8137

VL - 219

SP - 122

EP - 134

JO - New Phytologist

JF - New Phytologist

IS - 1

ER -