Bionic micro/nano design, fabrication, and applications based on diatoms: Recent advances and perspectives

Diatoms, a prevalent class of unicellular microalgae, are characterized by their distinctive hierarchical micro/nano porous structures and complex biological properties. They have emerged as innovative sources for bionic design and fabrication of micro/nano structures and materials via bottom-up approaches, offering significant advantages over conventional micro/nano fabrication techniques. This review examines the current advancements in bionic micro/nano design and fabrication strategies based on diatoms, while summarizing their promising applications across diverse fields. We elucidate the formation mechanisms, structural characteristics, and bioactive properties of diatoms, which serve as guiding principles for bionic micro/nano design. Following this, we reviewed micro/nano fabrication strategies derived from diatoms, with a focus on biological synthesis and bio-templated fabrication methods. Additionally, we discuss the cutting-edge applications of diatom-based micro/nano structures and materials. We also address the prospects and challenges associated with diatom-based bionic micro/nano design and fabrication, aiming to stimulate further research and propel the development of this fascinating field.