Ancient microscopic organisms could become the tools of the future when it comes to advancing material science in areas such as solar cell technology.

Furthermore, a 2008 Honours student has published his proof of the concept in the renowned Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS).

Jeremiah Toster, who was in the first cohort of Bachelor of Science students to study nanotechnology, has successfully manipulated the silica shells of diatoms so they can be used as platforms for developing useful materials in areas of health, energy and the environment.