Biosilica – Nanocomposites – Nanobiomaterials for Biomedical Engineering and Sensing Applications

Abstract

Biosilicification is a process by which silica-based nanostructures are formed (biosilica) through a biopolymer-based catalysis. Found in nature, biosilica is produced by many organisms and is renowned for its elaborate shapes down to nanoscale size. Biosilica is physically very strong, biocompatible, and has unique optical and chemical properties. Its surface is covered with chemically functional groups which are ideal for functionalization, protein adsorption and enzyme stabilization. Biomolecules entrapped within biosilica are highly stabilized from chemical denaturation, while protected from protease attacks. The ability to synthesize biosilica in the laboratory has set the grounds for the beginning of a new technological era which will provide us with novel devices and tools applicable to a variety of technologies. This chapter is devoted to the discussion of the engineering applications of biosilica in the biomedical and sensing areas.