Highly Efficient Immobilization of Endo-1,3-D-glucanases (laminarinases) from Marine Molluscs in Novel Hybrid Polyscaccharidesilica Nanocomposites with Regulated Composition

It is shown that the addition of precursor, tetrakis(2-hydroxyethyl) orthosilicate, that is absolutely soluble in water to a solution of cyclodextrins (CDs) leads to the formation of a hydrogel as a result of sol–gel processes. The synthesis is performed with neither a catalyst nor heating under the conditions that are inapplicable for traditionally employed precursors (tetraethoxy- and tetramethoxysilanes). The occurrence of sol–gel processes is due to the catalytic action of CDs. At the same time, their molecules act as matrix for precipitating polysilicic acids. As a result of hydrogel calcination, xerogels were prepared with micropores and microparticles dimensions of which were determined by the sizes of CD molecules.