Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles Mimic Catalytic Activity of a Polysiloxane‐Synthesizing Enzyme

A synthetic analogue of a naturally occurring enzyme has been produced by grafting appropriate nucleophilic and hydrogen-bonding functionalities to gold nanoparticles via self-assembled monolayers (see Figure and cover). The synthetic analogue mimics silicatein proteins, which act as both catalysts and templates for formation of silica needles in a marine sponge, converting silicon alkoxide precursors to silica at low temperatures and near-neutral pH.