Abstract: Methods are disclosed for using biopolymers as templates for the polymerization of monomeric silicic acids. A method is provided wherein a biological polymer is used as a template. An inorganic polymer backbone forms a shell encasing the biopolymer template. The organic portion may be removed to leave inorganic nanotubes or other micro- or nano-scale structures which are the approximate size and shape of the template. The surface macrostructure of the biological template is duplicated in a silica shell—even molecular level imprinting is possible. The resulting silica structures have many uses, especially where micro- or nano-scale morphology should be controlled. Catalysts, semiconductors or metals may be deposited on the inside surface of the inorganic shell support. In another example, micro- or nano-particles that mimic the size and shape of the biopolymer template may be synthesized.