This research explores the use of dinoflagellates as "cellular factories" for the biosynthesis of molecular crystals, offering a biocompatible alternative to toxic inorganic materials. Scientists discovered that these microalgae can rapidly absorb nitrogen-heterocycles from water and transform them into crystalline structures used for nutrient storage. By manipulating this natural process, the researchers successfully produced crystals with specific morphologies and optical properties, such as xanthine spherulites. The study also demonstrates how these living organisms can help determine the structures of difficult-to-crystallize compounds like leucopterin. Ultimately, this approach suggests new possibilities for pharmaceutical crystallization, sustainable manufacturing, and the bioremediation of environmental pollutants.

References:

• Wagner A, Margalit N, Fishman Y, et al. Harnessing microalgae for the biosynthesis of molecular crystals[J]. Nature Biotechnology, 2026: 1-9.