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.

The present invention relates to enzymes capable of hydrolysing organophosphate (OP) molecules. In particular, the invention relates to variants of the OpdA enzyme from Agrobacterium that display improved activity when compared to the naturally occurring OpdA. The invention is also towards polypeptides that have organophosphate hydrolysing activity for the organophosphates chlorpyrifos methyl, diazinon and parathion ethyl.

The present invention relates to a mutant fungal strain of Penicillium funiculosum ‘MRJ-16’ characterized by the ability to produce high titer of enzyme mixture comprising FPase, CMCase, Cellobiase, β-glucosidase, endoglucanase, α-L arabinofuranosidase, β-xylosidase, xylanase, pectinase, cellobiohydrase and oxidases and produce enzymes in the presence of a catabolite repressor molecule like glucose and/or xylose. The titer of enzyme mixture produced using mutant fungal strain MRJ-16 is at least two fold higher than naive Penicillium funiculosum strain NCIM 1228, when used in a fermentation process. The mutant strain ‘MRJ-16’ with high hydrolytic activity and catabolite derepressed character is having application in the method of degrading or saccharifying biomass to produce valuable products for example-bioethanol.

Compositions and methods related to anucelate cells (e.g., bacterial minicells) for pesticide degradation applications including related cells, polypeptides, and vectors.

Compositions and methods related to anucelate cells (e.g., bacterial minicells) for pesticide degradation applications including related cells, polypeptides, and vectors.

New approaches for selective detection of chemical agents such as sarin are necessary because of the high toxicity of sarin and related compounds, the potential of these compounds to be used as weapons of mass destruction, and the limitations of current detection methodologies. Herein is described an apparatus and a method for selective and amplified detection of sarin simulants deposited via an aerosol process. The simulant absorbs into a hydrogel, where it hydrolyzes upon contact with water producing elemental ions. The elemental ions are then concentrated via an ionic chemical potential gradient to a sensor, where it is detected. This technique has potential to amplify the capture efficiency of a sensor by a 1000-fold within couple of minutes.

The present invention relates to a mutant fungal strain of Penicillium funiculosum MRJ-16 characterized by the ability to produce high titer of enzyme mixture comprising FPase, CMCase, Cellobiase, -glucosidase, endoglucanase, -L arabinofuranosidase, -xylosidase, xylanase, pectinase, cellobiohydrase and oxidases and produce enzymes in the presence of a catabolite repressor molecule like glucose and/or xylose. The titer of enzyme mixture produced using mutant fungal strain MRJ-16 is at least two fold higher than naive Penicillium funiculosum strain NCIM 1228, when used in a fermentation process. The mutant strain MRJ-16 with high hydrolytic activity and catabolite derepressed character is having application in the method of degrading or saccharifying biomass to produce valuable products for example-bioethanol.

The invention comprises isolated, mutant, non-wild-type organophosphorus acid anhydrolase (OPAA) enzymes having two site mutations, methods of production, and methods of use to effectively degrade cylcosarin (GF) (cyclohexyl methylphosphonofluoridate) with greater catalytic efficiency than the wild-type OPAA.

The invention is directed toward mutant, non-wild-type organophosphorus acid anhydrolases (OPPAs) having three or more site mutations, methods of production, kits and methods of use to effectively degrade toxic V-agent type chemical compounds such as VX, VR, CVX, and VM.

Compositions and methods related to anucelate cells (e.g., bacterial minicells) for pesticide degradation applications including related cells, polypeptides, and vectors.