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M. Tiffany, R. Gordon, I. Gebeshuber:
"Hyalodiscopsis plana, a sublittoral centric marine diatom, and its potential for nanotechnology as a natural zipper-like nanoclasp";
Polish Botanical Journal, 55 (2010), 1; 27 - 41.

A small filamentous centric diatom, Hyalodiscopsis plana (Kozyr.) Kozyr. & Lastivka, was collected from a subtidal Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Agardh kelp forest off the coast of California. Valves are loculate and bear bifurcated, wrenchlike marginal spines which establish a permanent connection between sibling valves. The overlapping spines, resembling a zipper, interconnect in such a way as to allow adjacent cells to potentially slide apart slightly, and the chain to flex with water movements. In external view a cluster of rugose granules adorns the center of the valve, with smaller granules sprinkling the rest of the surface. Internally the valve is hyaline (smooth) in the center, with faint ribs of silica radiating from the center. On the mantle and part of the valve face there are rows of pores in quincunx, occluded by rotae. On the external valve surface these rows of pores are interrupted by the spines. Rimoportulae are visible internally, located at about half the depth of the mantle, but cannot be distinguished on the exterior of the valve. Girdle bands are numerous, split and ligulate. This diatom species is very interesting from a nanostructural point of view: for nanoscientists H. plana is an exquisite example of a diatom that combines features such as naturally nanostructured surfaces, optimized micro- and nanomechanics, and elaborate energy dissipation devices. For the nanotechnologist this diatom is an invaluable source of inspiration for the design of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), design of nanoclasps, and functional microdevices in general. The current collaboration between physicists, (nano)engineers and biologists on H. plana may very well initiate inter- and transdisciplinary approaches in diatom science and technology, with mutual benefit for all fields involved.

chain-forming centric diatoms, interlocking nanodevices, nanotechnology, nanozippers, micro-electromechanical systems, nanoclasp