Enzymatically-active material (ex. Rhodococcus rhodochrous) which releases nitrite from hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX)

摘要

An enzymically active cell free extract or membrane fraction capable of catalysing the removal of nitrite from hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) is provided. The cell free extract is produced by culturing a strain of Rhodococcus rhodochrous bacterium from nature. The strain designated 11Y has been deposited as NCIMB 40820. Methods of bioremediation using the enzymically active cell free extract so produced are also provided. Additionally there is provided a method for detecting the presence of RDX in a sample together with a biosensor for use in such a method. The nitrite produced in the enzyme catalysed reaction with RDX is detected, for example, colorimetrically, or alternatively a product of RDX degradation, such as formal behyde, is detected.