SILICA-MATRIX FORMING COMPOSITIONS, MATERIALS FORMED THEREFROM, AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME

摘要

The present invention provides compositions for encapsulation of biomaterials in a silica-matrix. The present invention also provides methods of making silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterials, and to methods of using silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterials. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of encapsulating mammalian cells in a silica-matrix while maintaining metabolic activity. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of purifying cancer cells using a silica-matrix.