| RESEARCH |
Researcher et al working at the interface between silicon chemistry and biotechnology to design bioprocesses for the production of polymeric silicon-based materials, biosensors, delivery systems, and solid-phase separation products for the fermentation industry. "We want to make what nature makes." "But unfortunately, diatoms (small single-celled plants) still have the edge in producing ordered, long-range silica structures. "Diatoms bioprocess multigigatons of silicic acid each year," he says. "We want to know how silicic acid is transported across biological membranes, concentrated, and stabilized for the creation of beautiful and delicate structures with significant long-range order in a reproducible process." The tetrafunctional nature of the silicon atom and the possibility that four reactions can occur at each silicon site in silicic acid and its esters may yield clues to the mechanisms of these bioprocesses. The role of proteins or polypeptides in constructing the silicic acid matrices is complicated, however. collaborating with colleagues at to investigate whether proteins act as enzymes or just as templates in the formation of silica structures. "We decided to take several steps back and focus on a simple model compound for our investigation." Last year, the team reported model studies on the ability of enzymes to catalyze the formation of molecules with a single siloxane bond during the in vitro hydrolysis and condensation of alkoxysilanes. "We have clearly demonstrated that the active site of trypsin, a proteolytic enzyme, is specifically involved in the formation of a siloxane bond by the condensation of silanols." "We also showed that trypsin, as well as several other proteins and polypeptides, catalyzes the hydrolysis of alkoxysilanes in a nonspecific manner. "We are now continuing to evaluate the catalytic role of trypsin, but in more complicated model silicon-based systems," he concludes. "The information should help us better understand how Nature does her job. The work is only one step on our journey into silicon biotechnology." |
|
Want more information ? Interested in the hidden information ? Click here and do your request. |