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Organophosphate skin decontamination using immobilized enzymes
R K Gordon1, S R Feaster, A J Russell
1Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Division of Biochemistry, Washington, DC 20307, USA. gordonr@wrsmtp-ccmail.army.mil
Chemico-Biological Interactions
|July 27, 1999
Summary
Novel cholinesterase (ChE) sponges offer enhanced stability for decontaminating organophosphates (OPs). These reusable ChE-sponges, combined with oximes, provide effective external detoxification against nerve agents and pesticides.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitors are crucial for counteracting organophosphate (OP) nerve agents.
- Existing methods for OP decontamination often lack stability in non-physiological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for preparing immobilized cholinesterase (ChE) sponges.
- To evaluate the stability and efficacy of ChE-sponges for organophosphate (OP) decontamination.
Main Methods:
- Covalent immobilization of ChE onto a polyurethane matrix to create ChE-sponges.
- Testing the catalytic activity and reusability of ChE-sponges under various conditions.
- Assessing the decontamination efficacy of ChE-sponges with oximes against OPs like DFP and MEPQ.
Main Results:
- ChE-sponges demonstrated enhanced stability against temperature, time, and drying compared to soluble ChE.
- Immobilized ChE retained catalytic activity and could be reused multiple times with oximes.
- ChE-sponges effectively detoxified OPs in the presence of oximes.
Conclusions:
- ChE-sponges represent a significant advancement in OP decontamination technology.
- This technology extends OP scavenger applicability beyond in vivo protection to external decontamination.
- ChE-sponges offer a versatile solution for decontaminating surfaces, biological materials, and the environment from OPs.