The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has developed a new self-decontaminating coating for use in filters, protective clothing, and disposable wipes that is capable of actively destroying pesticides and related chemical agents on contact. The coating comprises a thin, layered, composite film containing enzymes, which actively degrade chemical toxins, and a polyelectrolyte binder. It is readily applied to substrates such as beads, fabrics, or paper by inexpensive methods such as dip coating, spin coating or spraying.
The Navy's non-covalent method for incorporating enzymes within the polyelectrolyte film maintains enzyme activity, while stabilizing and protecting the enzyme from denaturation due to mechanical, chemical, and environmental stress. For example, filters prepared using beads coated with films containing organophosphorous hydrolase enzyme completely hydrolyzed methyl parathion (MPT) pesticide in an aqueous-alcohol solution under continuous flow conditions at room temperature for at least eight months.
The materials offer unique platforms as effective systems for the active, self-decontamination of chemical toxins for homeland defense, agricultural, and related applications.
More info: www.nrl.navy.mil
