The experimental raw-material, M. nummuloides (RM), and the positive control group, bio-silica were provided by JDK Bio Co. (Jeju, South Korea) (Fig. 1). RM was produced from marine diatoms, M. nummuloides, isolated from lava seawater at concentrations of 2–4 cells/L. For large-scale cultivation, lava seawater was collected into a pond where M. nummuloides was cultured and harvested under optimal conditions. The harvested material was then washed with fresh water to desalinate and remove impurities, followed by natural dehydration to a moisture content of 85% or less through a 100µm mesh filter.
Bio-silica was produced from RM using methods based on freeze-dried M. nummuloides (FM) and ethanol-extracted M. nummuloides (EM). The process involved drying the diatoms at temperatures between 60–80℃ to remove moisture, followed by grinding. To eliminate organic matter, the material was treated with a hot solution of sulfuric acid/hydrogen peroxide or hydrochloric acid/hydrogen peroxide. Impurities were then removed by treating it with a 10% hydrochloric acid solution at 95℃. After drying at 80℃, the material was washed with distilled water at 650℃, then vacuum dried at temperatures between 100–200℃. The final product was diatom-derived bio-silica, with organic matter removed, ready for collection.
The Vacuum Assisted Ultrasonic Stirrer (VAUS™, Mirae Ultrasonic Tech., Korea) (Fig. 2) utilized in this study can generate ultrasonic waves ranging from 35–170 kHz, in single or multiple frequencies. A magnetic stirrer incorporated within the vacuum ultrasonic device enables the processing of lightweight particulate materials, potentially surpassing traditional equipment. This feature allows for both intensive and precision cleaning, ensuring a uniform distribution of energy across the entire sample and steady facilitation of reactions. The multi-frequency ultrasonic generator within the device delivers even energy throughout the sample. It also reduces the cavitation size from the ultrasonic vibrator, which assures that the ultrasonic energy effectively penetrates the nano-porous structures, promoting simultaneous internal and external reactions. Negative pressure applied alongside the periodic creation of a vacuum by the vacuum pump swiftly removes simple bubbles, reducing cavitation blind spots and particle acceleration, thereby minimizing energy loss and enhancing the reaction process. The system also includes a magnetic stirrer that maintains fine particulate samples in suspension within the reaction solution, facilitating consistent and expedited cleaning and reactions.
In this study, 4.5% NaOCl was used to remove organic matter from the negative control group RM, instead of the conventional high-temperature baking or chemical solutions. After 50g of RM was mixed with 500ml of 4.5% NaOCl, the mixture was placed in the VAUS™ device, which was stirred to prevent solidification. The settings of the VAUS™ were adjusted based on frequency, vaccum application, and stirring time. Prolonged stirring increased the temperature within the VAUS™ tank, necessitating the addition of ice water to maintain a temperature below 40℃. The mixture was then divided into twelve 50ml conical tubes, each containing 42ml, and the contents were weighed to ensure even distribution. These tubes were centrifuged in a Combi 514R(Hanil, Korea) at 4000rpm for 15 minutes, and the supernatant(4.5% NaOCl) was discarded. The tubes were then paired, reducing the count to six and equalizing the volume to 45ml with the addtion of DI water. This was followed by a 10-minute vacuum ultrasonic cleansing session (Flexonic, Mirae Ultrasonic Tech., Korea). Subsequent to cleansing, the six conical tubes were centrifuged again under the same condition, and the supernatant(DI water) was removed. The remaining tubes were combined into pairs to form three tubes, equalized to 45ml with DI water, and manually shaken for further cleansing. After a final centrifugation at 4000rpm for 15 minutes, the supernatant(DI water) was discarded, and the tubes were stored at a temperature of 10 to 15℃.
The centrifuged samples were rapidly frozen using a freeze dryer (Bondiro, Ilsin lab, Korea) and, with the assistance of a vacuum pump, moisture and other components were removed over 48 hours at temperature typically lower than 10℃, achieving freeze-drying. Equipped with a high-capacity sealed freezing system, the chamber's interior was quickly cooled to below − 40℃. The samples were dried using a method that involves rolling the flasks, which completely eliminated any chances of effervescence and melting. This method promoted a film-like preliminary freeze, suppressing the surface hardening and concentrated solidification of the samples during freezing, resulting in an optimal drying outcome. After freeze-drying, the samples were sealed with parafilm to prevent moisture and foreign substances from entering. Subsequent analyses and measurements for TOC/TN, EDS, and XRD data were conducted on these samples.
SEM images were captured using Field-Emission Scanning Electronic Microscopy(AURIGA, Carl Zeiss, Germany) to observe the porous structure, particle size, and microstructure of M. nummuloides and the sample after organic matter removal.
All samples, including the negative and positive control groups, were analyzed for Total Organic Carbon(TOC) and Total Nitrogen(TN) using the TOC Analyzer(Sievers 5310 C, GE, USA). In the TOC analysis, samples were processed in the UV oxidation chamber, where organic matter was fully oxidized to carbon dioxide(CO₂). The CO₂ produced was then captured through a selective membrane, and its quantity was measured using a conductivity detector. In the TN analysis, inorganic carbon dissolved in the sample was completely converted to CO₂ under acidic conditions. Only the CO₂ that passed through the selective membrane was captured, and the total nitrogen amount was measured using the conductivity detector. The microprocessor determined the exact amount of TOC by calculating the difference between the total carbon and the inorganic carbon. The analyzed TOC and TN values are denoted as TOCi and TOCf for initial(negative control group) and final(sample) TOC, and TNi and TNf for initial(negative control group) and final(sample) TN values, respectively. These values were then used in an equation to compute the TOC and TN removal efficiency(RE%).
XRD analysis was performed using Powder X-Ray Diffractometry(D8 Advance, Bruker, Germany). Cooper K-alpha radiation was directed at the sample, and the resulting diffraction patterns facilitated the structural analysis of crystalline and amorphous materials, including phase analysis and crystal orientation. In this study, XRD was employed to elucidate the characteristics and structural attributes of frustules before and after the NaOCl process. To visually evaluate the efficiency of organic matter removal, analyses of the crystalline structures of the untreated frustule(UF) and the treated frustule(TF) were conducted.
EDS analysis were conducted using the Field-Emission Scanning Electronic Microscopy (AURIGA, Carl Zeiss, Germany). Measurements were based on the characteristics of secondary electrons and backscattered electrons released after the electron beam interacted with the sample, forming a three-dimensional image. The weight percent(wt.%) of the carbon(C) element was compared to gauge the amount of organic matter before and after ultrasonic treatment. Following NaOCl pre-treatment, the organic matter was removed. Through EDX analysis, it was possible to compare the weight and ratio changes of the C and Si elements during the NaOCl pre-treatment.
All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for Window(SPSS version 29; IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). The data’s distribution was evaluated for normality using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. To compare the means of each experimental group and the control group in the TOC/TN and EDS analyses, t-tests and one-way ANOVA followed by Scheffe’s post hoc tests were performed. P-values less than 0.05 were considered to reflect statistically significant differences.