Metallization of biologically inspired silica nanotubes

► Silica nanotubes were formed from bacterial flagella bio-templates. ► Silica shells were grown by hydrolysis and condensation reactions. ► Silica surface was easily chemically functionalized. ► Metallic nanoparticles (Au, Pd, iron oxide) were coated silica nanotubes. ► Metal nanoparticles had uniform sizes and high surface area coverage.