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I. Gebeshuber, R.M. Crawford:
"Micromechanics in biogenic hydrated silica: hinges and interlocking devices in diatoms";
Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part J - Journal of Engineering Tribology, 220 (2006), 3; 787 - 796.

Diatoms are single celled organisms with rigid parts in relative motion at the micrometer scale and
below. These biogenic hydrated silica structures have elaborate shapes, interlocking devices and in some
cases, hinged structures. The silica shells of the diatoms experience various forces from the environment
and also from the cell itself when it grows and divides, and the form of these micromechanical parts has
been evolutionarily optimized during the last 150 million years or more and achieving mechanical stability.
Linking structures of several diatom species such as Aulacoseira, Corethron and Ellerbeckia are presented
in high-resolution SEM images and their structure and presumed functions are correlated. Currently the
industry for micro- and nanoelectromechanical devices (MEMS and NEMS) puts great effort into
investigating tribology on the micro- and nanometre scale. It is suggested that micro- and nanotribologists
meet with diatomists to discuss future common research attempts regarding biomimetic ideas and
approaches for novel and/or improved MEMS and NEMS with optimized tribological properties.

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