1 Silicon in a Biological Environment -- 2 The Role of Silicates in the Synthesis of Sugars Under Prebiotic Conditions -- 3 Protease-Mediated Hydrolysis and Condensation of Tetra- and Trialkoxysilanes -- 4 Bioinspired Silica for Enzyme Immobilisation: A Comparison with Traditional Methods -- 5 On The Immobilization of Candida Antarctica Lipase B onto Surface Modified Porous Silica Gel Particles -- 6 Enzymatic Modification and Polymerization of Siloxane-Containing Materials -- 7 Design and Thermal Properties of Interpenetrating and Intercrosslinked Biosilicate Materials -- 8 Bioactive Amino Acids, Peptides and Peptidomimetics Containing Silicon.