Silicon Biotechnology

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Although data presented in the mid 1990s suggested that silicones and proteins were incompatible, more recent research has demonstrated that generalizations regarding the effects of silicones on proteins are not necessarily detrimental. In fact, silicones can interact with proteins without denaturing them, and in some cases a cooperative interaction between silicone and proteins has been observed. The proteolytic enzyme trypsin can even catalyze the conversion of alkoxysilanes to inorganic silica in vitro. Although Nature has evolved many systems that process Si-O bonds, biologically-mediated bonds between silicon and other atoms are virtually unknown, including the formation of a Si-C bond. The ability to make bonds between silicon atoms and atoms other than oxygen using biotechnology would revolutionize the field of silicon chemistry. Many catalytic systems and reagents employed in silicon-related chemistry have inherent toxicities or negative environmental implications. We wish to develop alternate, 'greener' methodologies for performing reactions at or near silicon centres using biotechnology. It is the long-term objective of the proposed research programme to extend the scope of biologically mediated silicone reactions and to develop other green routes for the synthesis of silicon containing compounds. To this end, we will take three approaches: to develop a library of reactions that can be performed at or near silicon centres using biotechnology; to fully understand the mechanisms by which biology can perform chemistry on silicon-based compounds to better tailor the biotechnological techniques, and to apply this knowledge to the synthesis and biodegradation of silicone polymers.