Biocers: ceramics with incorporated microorganisms for biocatalytic, biosorptive and functional materials development

Biologically modified ceramics (biocers) are understood as a class of nanocomposites which combine biocomponents with ceramic-like matrices. Biocers containing biocomponents can be prepared as a bulk material or as coatings by sol–gel and freeze-cast techniques from inorganic nanosols or by special CVD methods. By avoiding critical preparation conditions (high temperature, organic solvents) which would lead to denaturation, even bacteria, fungi, and yeast cells can be incorporated while maintaining their viability (‘living ceramics’). In this article the preparation and structure of such biocers and their applicative potential for biocatalytic, biosorptive and structure-forming processes will be discussed.