Biocatalytic nerve agent detoxification in fire fighting foams

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Environmental Science
• Chemical Weapon Decontamination
• Biocatalysis Applications

Background:

• Global events highlight the urgent need for advanced technologies against nerve agent chemical weapons.
• Organophosphorus hydrolase (E.C. 3.1.8.1) shows promise for detoxifying organophosphorus neurotoxins like VX and sarin.
• Decontaminating equipment, machinery, and soils from these agents is a critical concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To incorporate a biocatalyst, organophosphorus hydrolase, into conventional fire fighting foam formulations.
• To evaluate the efficacy of enzyme-containing foams for surface and soil decontamination.
• To develop a model for predicting decontamination efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Integration of organophosphorus hydrolase into fire fighting foam.
• Assessment of foam properties: reduced volatilization, increased wettability, controlled enzyme delivery.
• Empirical and theoretical modeling to estimate decontamination amounts and enzyme activity at the foam-surface interface.

Main Results:

• Enzyme-containing foams demonstrated reproducible and predictable performance.
• An empirical model accurately estimated achievable surface decontamination.
• Theoretical modeling confirmed enzyme activity within the foam and at the interface, facilitating agent extraction.

Conclusions:

• Biocatalytic foam is an effective and environmentally friendly method for surface and soil decontamination.
• Fire fighting foam serves as a suitable vehicle for large-area enzyme application.
• This approach offers a viable strategy for combating nerve agent contamination.