Bacteria-Triggered\nMineralization of Silica Shells\nwith Nanochannels for Biocatalysis in Harsh Conditions

Biocatalytic\nprocesses using microorganisms are considered efficient\nand economically and environmentally friendly reactions. However,\nthe viability and function of these microorganisms are prone to being\nhindered by various practical environments. Here, we reported a bacteria-induced\nnanochannel structure that endowed the microorganism with biocatalytic\nability in harsh conditions. We revealed that the bacteria could trigger\nthe fusion of silica nanoparticles on their surface by the secreted\nalkaline metabolite, resulting in silica shells with nanochannels\non bacteria (bacteria@nSiO<sub>2</sub>). The nanochannel structure\nin silica shells endowed bacteria with biocatalytic ability in multiple\nharsh conditions. We revealed that these nanochannels could influence\nthe mass transfer from the extracellular to the intracellular environment,\nwhich protected the bacteria from excessive toxic substance while\npreserving the mass exchange during biocatalysis. This feature ensured\nbacteria@nSiO<sub>2</sub> with efficient bioactivity under harsh conditions\nfor industrial catalysis and degradation of pollution, which cannot\nbe achieved by corresponding native bacteria. Using the crude oil\nspill as a practical example, we presented that bacteria@nSiO<sub>2</sub> could degrade highly concentrated crude oil, which any reported\nbacteria cannot achieve. This work emphasized the role of nanochannels\nin the regulation of cellular functions for enhanced biocatalysis.\nIt also demonstrated a bacteria-triggered nanostructure formation,\nwhich is a promising methodology for nanotechnology and provides a\nstrategy for more advanced organism–material hybrids.