Production and particle characterization of the frustules of Cyclotella cryptica in comparison with siliceous earth

摘要

Diatoms are photoautotrophic micro-organisms that use inorganic carbon sources and light in photosynthesis. Diatom frustules were characterized in terms of particle techniques and compared with siliceous earth. i.e. depositions of diatoms that have wide technical applications. To obtain enough biomass for frustule characterization Cyclotella crytica has been cultivated in a 15 l photobioreactor under controlled conditions. native diatom frustules are characterized by a 1.5-fold lower density and 80-fold higher specific surface than siliceous earth. Therefore, native diatom frustules provides a material with novel properties which might be interesting for special technical application. direct 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.