USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Jane K Rice

Debra R Rolison

Rhonda Michele Stroud

Jeremy J Pietron

Jean M Wallace

This disclosure describes the first viable non-enzyme protein encapsulated within an aerogel. In this, a large excess of cyt c is added to a commercial buffered Au sol solution ( ) which results in the formation of a gold&#x2dc;protein-protein superstructure in the absence of separation techniques which destroy the superstructure. The gold&#x2dc;protein-protein superstructure is then nanoglued into a silica framework during the sol to gel transition. To form the gel, the Au&#x2dc;cyt. c superstructure in buffered medium is added to a silica sol and the composite gels are washed with acetone followed by liquid carbon dioxide and then supercritically dried to form the aerogel. The biocomposite aerogels have a multiplicity of applications particularly in the realm of sensing and energy transformation.

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Fairfax Station, VA, United States of America

Jane K Rice