Encapsulation of biomolecules in silica gels

A wide variety of biomolecules, ranging over proteins, enzymes, antibodies and even whole cells, have been embedded within sol-gel glasses. They retai n their bioactivity and remain accessible to external reagents by diffusion through the porous silica. Sol-gel glasses can be cast into desired shapes and are optically transparent, so it is possible to couple optics and bioa ctivity to make photonic devices and biosensors. The high specificity and s ensitivity of enzymes and antibodies allows the detection of traces of chem icals. Entrapped living cells can be used for the production of metabolites , the realization of immunoassays and even for cell transplantation.