ZMT/ISAS-Project

We aim to uncover how specific nanomaterials affect the mechanical and optical properties of skeletal structures in marine photosymbiotic calcifiers, key organisms for reef resilience. We will test how nanoparticles incorporation alters light transmission in benthic foraminifera, potentially impairing symbiont photosynthesis. Using SEM, Raman spectroscopy, MALDI-MSI, and mechanical/optical analysis (UCSD), we will assess structural and molecular changes.