Imprinted biomimetic catalysts for cellulose hydrolysis

A biomimetic catalyst, said catalyst comprising:

• a polymeric silica matrix, wherein preparation of the matrix comprises reacting at least one tetraorthosilicate with at least one silane in the presence of an imprinting molecule to form said polymeric silica matrix impregnated with said imprinting molecule, and removing said imprinting molecule from said impregnated polymeric silica matrix via washing or burning;
• wherein at least 1 mol percent of said at least one silane is an acid functionalized silane;
• wherein said imprinting molecule is at least one selected from the group consisting of cellulose, cellobiose, linear oligomeric β(1-4) linked glucose chains longer than cellobiose but shorter than cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydropropylcellulose, linear and branched α-linked glucose oligomer and polymers, sucrose, lactose, trehalose, fructans, pectins, glycosaminoglycans, agar, gum Arabic, karageenan, glucose, and D-glucose 6-phosphate;
• at least one active site imprinted into said matrix, wherein said active site binds and hydrolyzes at least one glucose substrate to glucose,
• wherein said glucose substrate is at least one selected from the group consisting of cellulose, cellobiose, linear oligomeric β(1-4) linked glucose chains longer than cellobiose but shorter than cellulose, and linear and branched α-linked glucose oligomers and polymers, and
• wherein at least one said acid functionalized silane is incorporated in said polymeric silica matrix and is present in said active site.