Frustules are nanostructured, high-porous biosilica shells of diatom algae.
Diatom frustules emit blue light (photoluminescence) upon UV excitation.
Diatom frustules were functionalized with an anti-TNT (trinitrotoluene) antibody fragment.
Selective detection based on TNT binding with antibody-functionalized frustule.
Label-free detection based on photoluminescence quenching of bound electrophilic TNT.