Researchers from six research centers in Poland as part of the BIOG-NET consortium are considering microscopic algae – diatoms and their phenomenal ability to synthesize silica with a three-dimensional, openwork nanostructure to create innovative biocomposites for applications based on these observations, including in medicine and cosmetology. The Foundation for Polish Science (FNP) donated PLN 21 million for research under the TEAM-NET program.

The consortium consists of researchers from the Faculty of Chemistry of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, the Faculty of Earth Sciences of the University of Szczecin, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the Bialystok University of Technology, the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Adam Mickiewicz in Poznań, the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering of the Warsaw University of Technology and the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn.

The consortium’s goal is to create innovative nanosilica composites. Scientists hope for rapid commercialization of their research.