Biomimetic Materials: Silica sol-gel encapsulation of microbial cells
A new trend in the biomimetic materials design is the formation of silica shells around the cells. Such "living" materials can be used as biocatalysts and biomaterials for the biosensors, bioreactors, tissue engineering. We established that the 3D-architecture of silica sol-gel encapsulation cell depends on the microbial cell type. Yeasts are form the capsules around the cell. These capsules protected the cells under stress conditions (heavy metal ions, UV radiation). Bacteria ensure formation of the structures consisting of silica spheres. The bacterial cells are at the sphere surface.