MARINE INGREDIENTS


Diatoms: the ocean’s microscopic armour


Samantha Lööw, Susanne Hayes - Swedish Algae Factory


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The sea serves as an inspiration for technology: robotic arms mimic the agility of octopuses, sonar communication systems mirror the efficiency of dolphins, and skyscraper designs draw on the resilience of sea sponges. Similarly, diatoms, with their extraordinary properties refined through lifetimes of evolution, offer a blueprint for innovation with their unique capabilities to retain moisture, absorb nutrients, and shield their DNA from pollution and UV radiation. The question is, how can we harness these


natural advantages? The challenge lies in utilizing these traits sustainably. Instead of replicating diatom structures, we could cultivate them, balancing innovation with sustainability without depleting their natural habitats.


Nature’s solution to skin care and ocean health challenges Diatoms, a significant group of microalgae, play a vital role in global carbon fixation, producing one-fifth of the oxygen we breathe. Today, diatoms have an indispensable role in our survival and that of all other oxygen-breathing creatures, as we all depend on them indirectly. Diatoms are accountable for more than 40% of the world’s oceanic photosynthesis. Without


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their presence, the ocean would fail to sustain its current level of life. In numerous freshwater ecosystems, diatoms serve as a crucial food and energy provider for various organisms. However, climate change effects caused


by carbon dioxide emissions, and the release of chemicals that contaminate the oceans, are endangering marine life. In figures presented by National Geographic, the problem is daunting: 82, 000 chemicals from personal care products may threaten oceanic life.1


Freshly extracted diatom shell


Besides the pollution and endangering of


ocean health, studies also show that ingredients used in personal care and sunscreen products may be harmful to our health. Commonly used personal care ingredients may cause allergic reactions, reproductive disorders, birth defects, and cancer.2,3 Nevertheless, there remains a pressing


demand for personal care and sun care products that protect and nurture the skin. This highlights the need for innovative, healthy, effective, and ocean-safe ingredients, which led Swedish Algae Factory to explore the use of diatoms in the personal care industry, and especially the diatoms unique porous shell structure. Swedish Algae Factory grows a specific type of algae and extracts its unique silica shell, a material called Algica®. The shells consist of a structure unable


Figure 1: Freshly extracted diatom shell EHT=8.00kV


2 µm WD=10.5mm


Signal A=SE2 Mag=8.99 K X


Date:19 May 2022 Time: 12:59:32


to be industrially synthesized. The pores are nanosized, but the material is microsized, which provides the material with high-tech properties, without the negative side effects of nanomaterials. These nanosized pores have evolved to protect the algal cell from pollution and UV light. They also help regulate water levels and are designed to absorb essential nutrients for the algae.


April 2025 PERSONAL CARE


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