Fabrication of Protein/Silica Core–Shell Nanoparticles by Microemulsion‐Based Molecular Wrapping

A novel process for wrapping individual myoglobin molecules with an ultrathin shell of silica is reported. Confinement of single protein molecules in microemulsion water droplets followed by the controlled hydrolysis and condensation of tetramethoxysilane at the oil/water interface produces discrete protein/ silica nanoparticles (see Figure) without loss of myoglobin structure and function.