Cells in sol-gels I: A cytocompatible route for the production of macroporous silica gels

A novel, high hydrolysis ratio sol-gel route for the biocompatible production of macroporous silica gels is presented. This route exploits the two step nature of the gelation reaction to remove undesired alcohol by-products from an acidic aqueous sol prior to gelation. These alcohol-free sols will gel when the pH is raised to the physiologic range in a two-step, acid/base catalyzed process. Furthermore, monolithic macroporous samples can be produced in a controlled manner by introducing water-soluble organic polymers into the sol.