title: Organophosphate degrading microorganisms and enzymes as biocatalysts in environmental and personal decontamination applications.
abstract: One of the major challenges in dealing with chemical warfare agent (CWA) dispersal, whether in the battlefield or after a terror act, is decontamination and rehabilitation of any contaminated area. Organophosphates (OPs) are considered to be among the deadliest CWAs to date. Other OPs are used as pesticides in modern agriculture, and are considered environmentally hazardous. Current methods for OP decontamination are either dangerous or insufficiently effective. As a promising solution for this problem, bioremediation--the use of biocomponents for environmental remediation--is a potentially effective, safe, and environment-friendly method. The technology relies on several enzymatic mechanisms, and can be applied in various ways. We will review recent achievements and potential applications, such as biocatalyst-containing foams and an enzymatic sponge, for environmental as well as personal exterior decontamination.
authors.affiliation: CBRN Medicine Branch, Medical Corps, IDF. simoyair@gmail.com
authors.forename: Simo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yair
authors.forename: Butnaro
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ofer
authors.forename: Eisenkraft
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Arik
authors.forename: Shrot
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shai
authors.forename: Rosman
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yossi
authors.forename: Dushnitsky
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tzvika
authors.forename: Krivoy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Amir
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D043303:Aryldialkylphosphatase / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents / Q000633:toxicity; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008658:Inactivation, Metabolic; D010755:Organophosphates / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000633:toxicity; D010088:Oxidoreductases / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010091:Oximes / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010575:Pesticides / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents; D010755:Organophosphates; D010091:Oximes; D010575:Pesticides; D010088:Oxidoreductases; D043303:Aryldialkylphosphatase