Chitin‐Based Organic Networks: An Integral Part of Cell Wall Biosilica in the Diatom <i>Thalassiosira pseudonana</i>

Abstract

Inner workings: Diatom cell walls are outstanding examples of natural hybrid materials and exhibit interesting mechanical and optical properties. Removal of the biosilicates in the cell walls of T. pseudonana with NH4F proves that the cell walls contain an internal, organic network consisting of crosslinked chitin fibers as well as other organic components (see picture). Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.