Fast and Effective Enzymatic Decontamination and Biodegradation of Nerve Agents
Abstract
Organophosphorus-based nerve agents (OPNAs), and especially V-type nerve agents, are highly toxic and environmentally persistent compounds that present a long-term health threat. The toxicity of OPNAs is exerted by inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is essential for the normal function of cholinergic neurons. Its inhibition causes the accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine thereby preventing the function of muscles, glands and nerve cells in the brain, and eventually leading to death. Current methods for decontamination (Decon) of surfaces, equipment and personnel from OPNAs are based primarily on physical and chemical methods. However, both chemical and physical Decon methods, such as alkaline hydrolysis or absorption using Fuller s earth, have severe drawbacks when used on personnel, sensitive materials and equipment. They are corrosive, hazardous by themselves, and are incompatible with eye or wound cleaning. Further, the Decon agents, and the products of their action on OPNAs, comprise environmental hazards by themselves. The project s aims: Enzymes are biological catalysts that greatly accelerate chemical reactions. They are not only more efficient and faster than man-made catalysts, but also work in physiological conditions. Replacing or augmenting chemical and physical methods with highly efficient, non-corrosive and biocompatible enzymes is highly desirable. The snag is that nerve agents are xenobiotics, and hence no enzymes have naturally evolved to specifically degrade OPNAs. In order to provide efficient and environmentally friendly enzymatic Decon, we propose to combine the discovery of natural enzymes that promiscuously hydrolyze nerve agents and their degradation products, with enzyme engineering to optimize these enzyme s catalytic efficiencies and stability for Decon applications
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 23, 2018
- Source ID
- HDTRA11710057
Entities
People
- Dan S Tawfik
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- Weizmann Institute of Science