Bioinspired Cell Silicification: From Extracellular to Intracellular.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Diatoms utilize biosilicification to create robust, transparent silica exoskeletons.
• These silica/cell biocomposites offer mechanical strength, chemical inertness, and protection.
• Inspired by diatoms, research explores biomimetic silica encapsulation of cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advances and challenges in bioinspired cell silicification.
• To discuss methods for creating silica shells and matrices around cells.
• To explore novel applications of cell-silica composites.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on biosilicification and biomimetic silica encapsulation.
• Discussion of techniques for 2D and 3D silica shell formation around cells.
• Exploration of extra- and intracellular silica replication strategies.

Main Results:

• Significant progress in replicating diatom silica structures and encapsulating cells.
• Development of methods for creating silica matrices and shells for cell protection.
• Demonstration of silica functionalization to impart new properties to cells.

Conclusions:

• Cellular mineralization with nanoparticle exoskeletons offers a versatile approach to functionalize cells.
• Silica encapsulation presents a potential alternative to cryo-preservation for cell stabilization.
• Further research is needed to overcome challenges in advanced cell silicification.