6533b831fe1ef96bd12985d4
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Formation of silicones mediated by the sponge enzyme silicatein-α
Ute SchlossmacherWolfgang TremelH. C. SchröderStephan E. WolfBernd MathiaschAnna PietuchWerner E. G. M�llersubject
Siliceous spongeMagnetic Resonance SpectroscopySilanesPolydimethylsiloxanebiologyStereochemistrySiliconesSilanesCondensation reactionbiology.organism_classificationCathepsinsRecombinant ProteinsPoriferaInorganic ChemistrySuberites domunculachemistry.chemical_compoundSpongechemistryBiocatalysisAlkoxy groupAnimalsDimethylpolysiloxanesSilicic aciddescription
The sponge-restricted enzyme silicatein-α catalyzes in vivo silica formation from monomeric silicon compounds from sea water (i.e. silicic acid) and plays the pivotal role during synthesis of the siliceous sponge spicules. Recombinant silicatein-α, which was cloned from the demosponge Suberites domuncula (phylum Porifera), is shown to catalyze in vitro condensation of alkoxy silanes during a phase transfer reaction at neutral pH and ambient temperature to yield silicones like the straight-chained polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The reported condensation reaction is considered to be the first description of an enzymatically enhanced organometallic condensation reaction.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-04-17 | Dalton Transactions |