Abstract: Approaches to synthesize silicon-based catalytic structures that aim at capturi n g the properties and functionalities of natural enzymes include unit-by-unit s yn thesis of macromolecular units with atomic control and templating/imprinting syn thesis of nanocages which sacrifices atomic control for convenience. A combinati on of these approaches may lead to the desired structures ultimately.

Key words: enzyme analogs, templating, imprinting, dendrimer, nanocage, catalyst synthesis, confinement effect