in the field of biomaterials are inspired by nature. For example, in
diatoms one of the most important components of the cell wall is
silica, which creates a glass-like protective shell around the cell [5].
This nature-created approach served as a model for the development
of technologies for live cells encapsulation into silica matrix
[6–13]. The creation of living hybrid materials based on the silica
encapsulated cells is a new trend in biotechnology [6,9,12].
Silica shells have protected microbial cells against mechanical,
thermal and biological effects [13]. The sol-gel method used for
development of silica based materials does not require expensive
equipment, it is economical and safe for the environment [14].
The initial immobilization of the microorganisms into the solgel
matrix was accomplished using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast
cells, which is involved in the alcohol fermentation processes [11].
Dickson and Ely [12] proved that in a sol-gel process the shells
are formed around cyanobacteria. The silica shells are sufficiently
porous to allow relatively rapid diffusion and transport of metabolites
and waste products. This is an important aspect of using such
biocatalysts. Based on bacteria Pseudomonas sp. P2 immobilized
into silica sol-gel matrix, an optical biosensor to analyze commercial
mixtures of p-chlorbenzenes has been developed [15]. We
have shown that it is possible to provide a controlled formation of
alkyl-modified silica shells around methylotrophic yeast Ogataea
polymorpha VKM Y-2559 [16,17]. They are formed spontaneously
and itis likely that surface-based groups of cells act as the centers of
silica sol-gel matrix formation. The silica shells efficiently protect