Applications of diatoms as potential microalgae in nanobiotechnology.

INTRODUCTION

Diatoms are single cell eukaryotic microalgae, which present in nearly every water habitat make them ideal tools for a wide range of applications such as oil explora-tion, forensic examination, environmental indication, biosilica pattern generation, toxicity testing and eutrophication of aqueous ecosystems.

METHODS

Essential information on diatoms were reviewed and discussed towards impacts of diatoms on biosynthesis and bioremediation.

RESULTS

In this review, we present the recent progress in this century on the application of diatoms in waste degradation, synthesis of biomaterial, biomineraliza-tion, toxicity and toxic effects of mineral elements evaluations.

CONCLUSION

Diatoms can be considered as metal toxicity bioindicators and they can be applied for biomineralization, synthesis of biomaterials, and degradation of wastes.