Cell wall template-mediated synthesis of mesostructured biosilica

Cell wall template - mediated elaborate mesoscopic silica structures in int ercellular spaces of epidermal cells of zoysiagrass leaves were synthesized when Si(OC2H5)(4) was supplied instead of monosilicic acid, The synthesis of organized silica structures in zoysia was correlated with the chemical f orm of the silicon applied, reflecting a slower condensation from TEOS and thus providing greater opportunities for structural control by the underlyi ng molecular substrates of cell walls. The composition was estimated by ene rgy dispersive X - ray (EDX) spectra on a scanning electron microscope. All organized structures showed carbon, oxygen and silicon peaks, indicating t hat their formation differs from natural siliceous process.