Issue 3, 2006

Biomimetic silicification of 3D polyamine-rich scaffolds assembled by direct ink writing

Abstract

We report a method for creating synthetic diatom frustules via the biomimetic silicification of polyamine-rich scaffolds assembled by direct ink writing (DIW) [G. M. Gratson, M. Xu and J. A. Lewis, Nature, 2004, 428, 386, ]. A concentrated polyamine-rich ink is robotically deposited in a complex 3D pattern that mimics the shape of naturally occurring diatom frustules, Triceratium favus Ehrenberg (triangular-shaped) and Arachnoidiscus ehrenbergii (web-shaped). Upon exposing these scaffolds to silicic acid under ambient conditions, silica formation occurs in a shape-preserving fashion. Our method yields 3D inorganic–organic hybrids structures that may find potential application as templates for photonic materials, novel membranes, or catalyst supports.

Graphical abstract: Biomimetic silicification of 3D polyamine-rich scaffolds assembled by direct ink writing

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
06 Dec 2005
Accepted
23 Jan 2006
First published
06 Feb 2006

Soft Matter, 2006,2, 205-209

Biomimetic silicification of 3D polyamine-rich scaffolds assembled by direct ink writing

M. Xu, G. M. Gratson, E. B. Duoss, R. F. Shepherd and J. A. Lewis, Soft Matter, 2006, 2, 205 DOI: 10.1039/B517278K

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