The University of Queensland

Organophosphate pesticide degradation: evolved enzymes and biomimetics for bioremediation and medicine (ARC Discovery Project award administered by ANU) (2009–2011)

Abstract:

Organophosphates (OPs) are toxic compounds that represent a significant threat to the environment and to human health. There are a number of bacterial enzymes - like the organophosphate degrading enzyme (OPDA), that are capable of degrading OPs, but they degrade some OPs slowly while others are not degraded at all. we intend to use directed evolution to enhance the catalytic properties of these enzymes. We will also apply a number of physical and chemical techniques to OPDA and mutant forms of the enzyme to get a better understanding of how it functions.

Grant type:

Australian National University

Researchers:

• 

  Professor Gary Schenk

  Professor
  

  School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences

  Faculty of Science

  Professor
  

  Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology

Funded by:

Australian National University