Heterogenization of a biomimetic catalyst [Mn-2(IV) (mu-O)(3) (TMTACN)(2)][PF6](2)center dot H2O (MnTMTACN) was realized by entrapping the manganese complex within biopolymer microspheres via an emulsification solvent extraction method. Elementary analysis and ultra violet-visible spectroscopy confirmed the successful encapsulation of MnTMTACN in the biopolymer microspheres. The surface and interior morphologies of the MnTMTACN-loaded microspheres were characterized with optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed not only a confined crystallization of MnTMTACN but also a good dispersion of these nanocrystals within the biopolymer microspheres. The encapsulated MnTMTACN exhibited a high catalytic activity and could be reused at least 7 times in catalyzing the oxidation of 2',3,4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone (morin) with hydrogen peroxide. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.