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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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Encapsulating Cytochrome c in Silica Aerogel Nanoarchitectures without Metal Nanoparticles while Retaining Gas-phase Bioactivity
Published on: March 1, 2016
Cytochrome c Stabilization and Immobilization in Aerogels
Amanda S Harper-Leatherman1, Jean Marie Wallace2, Debra R Rolison2
1Fairfield University, Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, Fairfield, CT, USA. aharper@fairfield.edu.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|July 16, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed novel bioaerogels using cytochrome c (cyt.c) and silica. These advanced materials demonstrate rapid gas-phase sensing capabilities while maintaining protein stability, opening new avenues for sensor technology.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Sol-gel aerogels are highly porous nanoscale materials ideal for sensing.
- Incorporating sensitive biomolecules into aerogels is challenging due to processing conditions.
- Cytochrome c (cyt.c) can form protective superstructures around nanoparticles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop stable, functional bioaerogels using cytochrome c (cyt.c).
- To create a novel sensing platform for gas-phase detection.
- To overcome challenges in incorporating biomolecules into aerogels.
Main Methods:
- Encapsulating cyt.c-nanoparticle superstructures into sol-gel precursors.
- Processing wet gels using supercritical fluid (SCF) techniques.
- Synthesizing cyt.c-silica aerogels with controlled parameters without nanoparticles.
Main Results:
- Composite aerogels retained cyt.c's visible absorption and structural integrity.
- Au~cyt.c superstructures enabled rapid gas-phase nitric oxide (NO) sensing.
- Nanoparticle-free cyt.c-silica bioaerogels also showed rapid sensing and stability.
Conclusions:
- Protein coronas protect cyt.c during aerogel formation.
- Bioaerogels offer a promising platform for sensitive and stable gas sensors.
- Controlled synthesis enables nanoparticle-free bioaerogels with retained functionality.
