Abstract: The invention relates to a biocatalyst for organic synthesis, comprising a controlled porosity silica (CPS) as support material, wherein the pore diameter is between about 20 and about 100 nm, said support material comprising an amino-functionalized surface; and one or more catalytically active enzyme(s) immobilized on the support material. The invention also relates to uses of such biocatalysts and methods of manufacture thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastomeric material and its method of manufacture, comprising the consecutive steps of a) providing powdered birch bark; b) removing extractives to obtain a fraction comprising suberin; c) alkaline hydrolysis of the fraction comprising suberin, whereby suberin is broken down to suberin monomers; d) acidification of the fraction comprising suberin monomers, whereby the subein monomers are protonated; e) extraction of the suberin monomers, whereby the protonated suberin monomers are separated from hydrophilic compounds; f) melting the suberin monomers; and g) polymerizing the melted monomers, wherein no added catalyst is present during the polymerization, and wherein a cross-linked elastomer is obtained.