Enzyme-immobilizing MOFs and methods for their use in enzymatically catalyzed reactions are provided. The MOFs are channel-type MOFs that present a hierarchical pore structure comprising a first set of large channels sized for enzyme immobilization and a second set of smaller channels running alongside of the large channels that remain enzyme-free and allow for reactant delivery to the enzymes and product expulsion from the larger channels.

A continuous bubbling fluid bed process converts biomass feedstocks into energy/heat, engineered biochar particles (including nanoparticles) and a vapor stream of organic compounds. The products have a multitude of applications determined by the specific conditions at which the process was operated, specifically controlling: temperature, catalysts, residence time, element and compound concentrations, and withdraw of products from various points in the system. The introduction of air, steam, and various gases into the vessel at selected locations and at controlled rates enables the economic, dependable and consistent production of these products.

The present invention is directed towards a composition for decontaminating surfaces contaminated with toxic chemicals/substances, comprising at least one type of metal oxyhydroxide such as zirconium hydroxide, Zr(OH).sub.4, optionally with added water for hydration of the solid, mixed into a carrier liquid used for application to a contaminated surface.

Related are a chemical warfare agent (CWA) decontaminant, a method of decontaminating a CWA using the CWA decontaminant, and a product including the CWA decontaminant. The CWA decontaminant may include a metal-organic framework (MOF) including at least one metallic compound among metal hydroxide, metal hydride, metal acetate, metal methoxide, and metal oxide, and the at least one metallic compound may be dispersed either on a surface of the MOF or in pores of the MOF, or both.

Disclosed herein are non-wild-type organophosphorus acid anhydrolases having two site mutations, methods of production, and methods of use to effectively degrade toxic chemicals such as ((RS)-Propan-2-yl methylphosphonofluoridate) (Sarin) and other organophosphorus compounds.

A genetically modified polypeptide is disclosed which comprises an amino acid sequence of phosphotriesterase (PTE) having at least twice the catalytic efficiency for a V-type nerve agent as a polypeptide which consists of the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, when assayed under identical conditions.

Provided are processes and compositions for neutralizing a material of interest such as a biological, chemical, or other toxic agent on or from a surface. A method includes applying a neutralization composition to a surface having a material of interest deposited thereon where the composition includes a resin and an active decontaminant, encapsulating the material of interest with the neutralization composition, curing or otherwise solidifying the neutralization composition to form a polymeric coating on the surface, and optionally peeling the coating from the surface. The peeling may remove a portion or all of the material of interest from the surface. The presence of the active decontaminant optionally further neutralizes the material of interest independent of peeling. Also provided are neutralization compositions that may be used in the processes provided herein.

Disclosed herein are methods for the large-scale production of a highly thermally stable acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Additionally, the expression methods disclosed herein can produce ChE preparations consisting of extract or purified forms that can be produced in high amounts and are highly thermally stable. These ChE products can be used in vitro detection, detoxification and decontamination methods.

Provided is a mutated hyperthermophilic PTE having a lactonase activity derived from a hyperthermophilic phosphotriesterase corresponding to the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, the mutated PTE including the at least one mutation chosen amongst 55 putative positions and the mutated PTE having enhanced properties. Also provided are compositions including the mutated hyperthermophilic PTE and the uses thereof, notably as bioscavenger of organophosphate compounds or as quorum quencher of the bacteria using lactones to communicate.

This disclosure relates to polymers and polymer compositions having monomer units of polyoxometalates and monomer units comprising hydroxy-terminated molecules such as branched molecules or dendrimers and uses in degradation, decontamination, and deodorization. In certain embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated branched molecules or dendrimers comprise terminal 1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl or 1,1,1-tris(hydroxyalkyl)methyl groups. In certain embodiments, the hydroxy-terminated molecule is N,N,N-tris[tris(hydroxymethyl) methyl]-1,3,5 -benzenetricarboxamide.