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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Expression and Purification of Nuclease-Free Oxygen Scavenger Protocatechuate 3,4-Dioxygenase
Published on: November 8, 2019
[Engineering of catalytic bioscavengers of organophosphorus compounds]
Patrick Masson1, Florian Nachon, Daniel Rochu
1Centre de recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, Département de Toxicologie, Unité d'Enzymologie, BP 87, 38702 La Tronche. pmasson@unmc.edu
Abstract:
Catalytic bioscavengers show promise for the prevention and treatment of organophosphate poisoning. Catalytic bioscavengers are enzymes capable of binding and hydrolyzing organophosphorus compounds (OPs). These enzymes could be used to degrade OPs before they reach their biological targets. As such, they could be administered as antidotes before or after exposure, and be used for skin protection and decontamination. Protein engineering can yield enzymes with improved catalytic properties, that are stable during storage and in the bloodstream, and that are immunologically compatible. Large-scale production must be feasible and reasonably inexpensive.
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