The UV filtering potential of drop-casted layers of frustules of three diatom species

TY - JOUR

T1 - The UV filtering potential of drop-casted layers of frustules of three diatom species

AU - Su, Yanyan

AU - Lenau, Torben Anker

AU - Gundersen, Emil

AU - Kirkensgaard, Jacob Judas Kain

AU - Maibohm, Christian

AU - Pinti, Jérôme

AU - Ellegaard, Marianne

PY - 2018/12/1

Y1 - 2018/12/1

N2 - Diatoms are in focus as biological materials for a range of photonic applications. Many of these applications would require embedding a multitude of diatoms in a matrix (e.g. paint, crème or lacquer); however, most studies on the photonic and spectral properties of diatoms frustules (silica walls) have been carried out on single cells. In this study, for the first time, we test the spectral properties of layers of frustules of three diatom species (Coscinodiscus granii, Thalassiosira punctifera and Thalassiosira pseudonana), with special focus on transmission and reflectance in the UV range. The transmittance efficiency in the UV A and B range was: T. pseudonana (56-59%) >C. granii (53-54%) >T. punctifera (18-21%) for the rinsed frustules. To investigate the underlying cause of these differences, we performed X-ray scattering analysis, measurement of layer thickness and microscopic determination of frustule nanostructures. We further tested dried intact cells in the same experimental setup. Based on these data we discuss the relative importance of crystal structure properties, nanostructure and quantity of material on the spectral properties of diatom layers. Characterization of the UV protection performance of layers of diatom frustules is of central relevance for their potential use as innovative bio-based UV filters.

AB - Diatoms are in focus as biological materials for a range of photonic applications. Many of these applications would require embedding a multitude of diatoms in a matrix (e.g. paint, crème or lacquer); however, most studies on the photonic and spectral properties of diatoms frustules (silica walls) have been carried out on single cells. In this study, for the first time, we test the spectral properties of layers of frustules of three diatom species (Coscinodiscus granii, Thalassiosira punctifera and Thalassiosira pseudonana), with special focus on transmission and reflectance in the UV range. The transmittance efficiency in the UV A and B range was: T. pseudonana (56-59%) >C. granii (53-54%) >T. punctifera (18-21%) for the rinsed frustules. To investigate the underlying cause of these differences, we performed X-ray scattering analysis, measurement of layer thickness and microscopic determination of frustule nanostructures. We further tested dried intact cells in the same experimental setup. Based on these data we discuss the relative importance of crystal structure properties, nanostructure and quantity of material on the spectral properties of diatom layers. Characterization of the UV protection performance of layers of diatom frustules is of central relevance for their potential use as innovative bio-based UV filters.

U2 - 10.1038/s41598-018-19596-4

DO - 10.1038/s41598-018-19596-4

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 29343724

SN - 2045-2322

VL - 8

JO - Scientific Reports

JF - Scientific Reports

IS - 1

M1 - 959

ER -