Application of organosilicate matrix based on methyltriethoxysilane, PVA and bacteria

We have studied immobilization of Paracoccus yeei VKM B-3302 cells in an organosilica sol-gel matrix consisting of tetraethoxysilane, methyltriethoxysilane and polyvinyl alcohol as a structure-modifying agent. Optical microscopy showed that higher amounts of methyltriethoxysilane make the solid material structure softer. In addition, formation of structures, probably, with bacterial cells inside was spotted. We have analyzed the catalytic power of the immobilized bacteria and discovered that the material's catalytic potential is the highest at 50% of methyltriethoxysilane. Therefore, this seems to be the best ratio of precursors in a material for bacteria to become effectively encapsulated. Analysis of the material structure by low-temperature nitrogen absorption and scanning electron microscopy revealed that in the given conditions the material got crack-like mesopores and spherical particles of about 25 µm in diameter with immobilized bacterial cells on their surface. The study found that the fabricated organosilica material can effectively protect bacterial cells against UV radiation, pH change, high salinity and high heavy metal ion concentration.