Immobilization of Enzymes in Nanoporous Host Materials: A Nanobiotechnological Approach to Decontamination and Demilitarization of Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents

摘要

As proposed, we have established the concept of a novel nanobiotechnology for decontamination and demilitarization of chemical and biological warfare agents, based on immobilizing decon/demil effective enzymes such as organophosphorus acid anhydrolases (OPAA) in nanoporous host materials such as silica. The immobilization has been achieved by encapsulating the enzymes in nanoporous silicate or organically modified silicate frameworks prepared by the nonsurfactant-templated sol-gel technology recently developed in our laboratory. Such enzyme (guest)-nanoporous silica (host) systems offer many advantages over the use of free enzymes, including: (1) significantly improved thermal stability; (2) retain enzymatic activity in decon/demil media that contain organic solvents; (3) longer shelf life and higher storage stability; and (4) reusability and recyclability of the enzymes. Based on our results using diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) as the simulant for G-type agents, encapsulated OPAA not only retains its enzymatic activity to a significant extent but also exhibits much enhanced stability. Further investigation would lead to practical applications of these novel nanobiomaterials in decontamination creams/lotions and as survivable bio- decontaminants under battlefield conditions.