Abstract: Compositions and methods for enzymatic decontamination by inactivation of Hazardous agents are provided. Hazardous agents of microbial and chemical origin can be neutralized by H2O2. The methods described herein provide for enzymatic production of H2O2 in situ using oxidoreductase enzymes that use oxygen as an acceptor and their alcohol substrates. The enzymatically produced H2O2 and corresponding aldehydes have potent antimicrobial properties. The enzymatically produced H2O2 also can detoxify chemical agents in situ. The decontaminating power of the oxidoreductase enzymes that use oxygen as an acceptor may be amplified by addition of reagents, such as acetyl donors or base catalysts that, in the presence of H2O2, yield peroxy acid derivatives and hydroperoxy anions. Such derivatives can neutralize biological and chemical agents, thus providing a broadly applicable decontamination method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bacterium strain of accession no. MTCC 5099, a process for the preparation of inoculum of the said strain, and a process for the reduction of color from pulp mill effluent using the above said inoculum, which comprises steps of inoculating appropriate aliquots of the pulp and paper mill effluent with the cell slurry obtained, incubating the mixture at about 37 degree C. at about 100 rpm for time duration ranging between 24-48 hours, assessing color and total lignin levels to determine the color removal efficiency of the above said bacterium.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to processes that integrate CO2-producing conversions of hydrocarbonaceous assets with biofuels processes that utilize CO2 in photosynthesis. In some embodiments, such processes involve the absorption of CO2 in an absorption liquid. In some such embodiments, such absorption is carried out in an absorption tower. In some other such embodiments, there is a subsequent desorption of the CO2. Generally, at least some of the CO2 captured by the absorption liquid is used to grow microbes or diatom species.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to processes that integrate CO2-producing conversions of hydrocarbonaceous assets with biofuels processes that utilize CO2 photosynthesis. In some embodiments such processes involve the absorption of CO2 in an absorption liquid. In some such embodiments such absorption is carried out in an absorption tower. In some other such embodiments, there is a subsequent desorption of the CO2. Generally, at least some of the CO2 captured by the absorption liquid is used to grow microbes or diatom species.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a system and method for the treatment of gaseous emissions comprising methane, and in one specific embodiment, to a system and method for the treatment of emissions through the use of methanotrophic microorganisms. Certain embodiments of the invention are particularly advantageous because they reduce environmentally-destructive methane emissions and produce harvestable end-products.

Abstract: Methods and systems for effecting an environmental change by providing an effector composition that includes lignocellulosic particles with at least one absorbed microorganism species, wherein the lignocellulosic particles are preferably kenaf particles. The method steps include mixing at least one microorganism species with kenaf particles to form an effector composition and then dispersing the effector composition in the environment.

Abstract: Herein a Bacillus exosporium molecule delivery (BEMD) system that provides a means to deliver molecules of interest (MOIs) to an environment is disclosed. The system results in the display of MOIs on the exosporium surface of Bacillus family members such that they can be delivered to an environment in a stable and active form. In addition, methods of making and using the system are described.

Abstract: The invention discloses an Ochrobactrum sp. for degrading TBBPA and its application in environmental remediation. An Ochrobactrum sp. for degrading TBBPA was isolated from the sludge in a high risk area of electronic waste in the invention. The strain is named as Ochrobactrum sp. T, which has been deposited in China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC) on Oct. 28, 2009 with an accession number of CCTCC M209246. Ochrobactrum sp. T obtained in the invention has high degradation capability to TBBPA in environment. The degradation efficiency of the strain achieves 96.2%. The strain could be applied to degrading TBBPA in environmental remediation.

Abstract: A method for treating sludge in an anaerobic digester includes the steps of providing a pit in the ground that is lined with a seal and then forming cells in the pit into which a mixture of vegetal waste and sludge that has optionally undergone a pre-acidification stage is provided. After a sealing cover is placed over the digester, an optional trigger is provided that enhances formation of biogas that is recovered from the digester to be utilized for the production of energy and the digested mixture recovered at the end of the use of the digester is utilized as an organic fertilizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the degradation of pollutants in water and/or soil. More specific, the present invention relates to a method for the on-site decontamination or re-mediation of water and/or soil which are contaminated with organic compounds. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for forming a barrier against the spreading of a contamination with pollutants within the water and/or soil, especially within groundwater (aquifer). Further, the invention relates to means for use in these methods, and to the production of such means.

Abstract: SO-transgenic plants overexpressing or lacking SO activity, having modified tolerance or susceptibility to toxicity of sulfite-producing substances, methods for their production and the use thereof for bioremediation of pollutants, as sentinel plants, for enhancing post-harvest quality of plants, plant tissues and plant products and for therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for enzymatic detoxification of pyrethroid such as permethrin. The methods involve application of compositions of organophosphorus hydrolase OPH to surfaces or substances contaminated with pyrethroid such as permethrin.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for processing organic matter that is produced in a poultry farm. The organic matter produced by the plurality of birds is removed from one or more containers that house the plurality of birds. The method further includes treating a first amount of organic matter of the organic matter in a thermal processor to produce inorganic matter. Thereafter, the inorganic matter and a second amount of organic matter of the organic matter are consumed in one or more photo bioreactors for growing one or more photosynthesis organisms.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit and method for bioremediation of deicing fluids containing glycol. Using a combination Bacillus, Pseudomonas, yeast and filamentous fungi strains selected for the ability to grow on high levels of glycol, bioremediation of airport runoff is provided.

Abstract: Provided is microbial materials for degradation of oils and toxic chemicals. The microbial material comprises (a) a microorganism and culture filtrate capable of degrading oil and toxic chemicals being at least one selected from the group consisting of Trichosporon loubieri Y1-A of deposit No. KCTC 10876BP, Trichosporon cutaneum, and white-rot fungi living upon the surface of wood, (b) rapeseed oils for producing more sophorolipid in surface of the said microorganism, (c) lipophilic powder being at least one selected from the group consisting of natural wax, synthetic wax, beeswax and waste candle, and (d) a microbial nutrient. This invention further comprises (e) the Bacillus subtilis of Deposit No. KCCM 10639 and the Bacillus subtilis of Deposit No. KCCM 10640. The microbial material can efficiently, rapidly degrade contaminants that are unreadily degradable, by increasing a contact area with the microorganism capable of degrading the unreadily degradable contaminants.

Abstract: A method of biotreating and recovering metal values from metal-bearing refractrory sulfide ore using a nonstirred surface bioreactor is provided. According to the method, the surface of a plurality of coarse substrates is coated with a solid material to be biotreated to form a plurality of coated coarse substrates. The coarse substrates have a particle size greater than about 0.3 cm and the solid material to be biotreated has a particle size less than about 250 ?m. A nonstirred surface reactor is then formed by stacking the plurality of coated coarse substrates into a heap or placing the plurality of coated coarse substrates into a tank so that the void volume of the reactor is greater than or equal to about 25%. The solid material is biotreated in the surface bioreactor until the undesired compound in the solid material is degraded to a desired concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides for degrading s-triazines such as atrazine, as well as diazines. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides. The present invention also relates to the use of these polynucleotides and polypeptides in the bioremediation of s-triazines and diazines.

Abstract: A method of biotreating a solid material including an organic compound is provided. According to the method, a nonstirred bioreactor having a void volume of greater than or equal to 25% with a mixture including a solid material to be biotreated and a plurality of coarse substrates having a particle size greater than or equal to about 0.6 cm is formed. The solid material to be biotreated includes an organic material. The mixture includes sufficient coarse substrates to provide the reactor with at least 100 square meters of surface area per cubic meter of reactor space. The solid material in the bioreactor is biotreated until the organic material within the bioreactor is reduced to a desired concentration.

Abstract: A recombinant bacterium capable to completely degrade or mineralize pollutants such as polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), which corresponds to Cupriavidus necator strain JMS34, deposited under the access number NRRL B-30817 a product for the bioremediation of environments contaminated with PCBs, where the product includes a bacterial inoculum of this recombinant strain and a method for the bioremediation of environments contaminated with PCBs, which uses this product for the bioremediation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for the substantially permanent biogeochemical stabilization of solids impacted with hexavalent chromium/Cr(VI), including chromite ore processing residue (“COPR”). The invention comprises a novel treatment method of adding amendment(s) to COPR or other chromate impacted solids for the purpose of (1) weathering COPR minerals (when present) to convert the minerals that control alkalinity of the COPR to non-alkaline forms and liberate incorporated hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in the process; (2) providing a chemical reductant (ferrous iron) to rapidly and permanently reduce the available Cr(VI) to trivalent form (Cr(III)); and/or (3) supporting longer-term biogeochemical Cr(VI) reduction enhanced by recycling of the chemical reductant, ultimately rendering the material non-hazardous as measured by acceptable methods.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an isolated pure culture of a novel strain CK1 of Bacillus licheniformis, BCRC 910458, capable of detoxification of zearalenone (ZEN). Using physiological, biochemical, morphological identification and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis methods, the strain CK1 was identified as Bacillus licheniformis. Through extracellular xylanase, CMCase protease assays and evaluations for zearalenone detoxification, the strain CK1 strain was identified to possess good ZEN-detoxifying ability, to be non-hemolytic, non-enterotoxin producing, and displayed high levels of extracellular xylanase, cellulase, and protease activities. Accordingly, Bacillus licheniformis CK1 can be applied as food and feed supplement for bio-detoxification of ZEN.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of anaerobic treatment which makes it possible to prevent disintegration of granular sludge and perform high-load high-velocity anaerobic treatment stably even in the case where treatment is performed under conditions where the granular sludge is easily disintegrated. In a reaction tank 20 which retains the granular sludge, nitric acid or nitrous acid is adjusted so that they have a certain concentration range. For example, nitric acid is added to the liquid to be treated by connecting the nitric acid addition path 12 to a midway point of the path of the liquid to be treated 31 which introduces the liquid to be treated to the reaction tank 20, and nitric acid is mixed with the liquid to be treated. By introducing nitric acids within the reaction tank 20, denitrifying bacteria etc. can multiply, and disintegration of the granules is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences of novel carbonic anhydrase variants having increased stability under high temperature conditions compared to native carbonic anhydrase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of enzymes and/or whole-cell catalysts for the removal of undesired by-products from crosslinkable preparations.

Abstract: A reactor and method are presented for processing water, in a manner enabling treatment of contaminated water to produce purified water and enabling simultaneous production of a biomass. The reactor comprises first and second compartments interfacing one another by a gas-permeable membrane. The first compartment serves for interaction between the water and at least one species of aerobic heterotrophic microorganism which are adapted to break down one or more organic contaminants in the contaminated water. The second compartment serves for interaction between the water and at least one species of phototrophic microorganism capable of producing oxygen. The gas-permeable membrane prevents transfer of the organic contaminant therethrough, while allows gas diffusion therethrough.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides new isolated strains of a Geobacter species that are capable of using a carbon source that is selected from C3 to C12 organic compounds selected from pyruvate or metabolic precursors of pyruvate as an electron donor in metabolism and in subsequent energy production. In other aspects, other preferred embodiments of the present invention include methods of making such strains and methods of using such strains. In general, the wild type strain of the microorganisms has been shown to be unable to use these C3 to C12 organic compounds as electron donors in metabolic steps such as the reduction of metallic ions. The inventive strains of microorganisms are useful for improving bioremediation applications, including in situ bioremediation (including uranium bioremediation and halogenated solvent bioremediation), microbial fuel cells, power generation from small and large-scale waste facilities (e.g.

Abstract: A system is provided for thermophilically conditioning organic wastes of a substantially predetermined composition to form a feedstock which is applied to an upper surface of a worm bed. The worm bed is maintained in a dominantly mesophilic regime, wherein vermicastings and vermicompost are selective removed from the bottom of the worm bed.

Abstract: Organic waste having a moisture content of about 65% is dried to a level of dryness by applying heat generated by microbial action on the waste organic material to dry that material to usable levels of about 20% moisture. Method of the present invention is more efficient and economical for the drying of waste materials to combustible fuel than conventional drying methods and apparatus. Preblended portions of the organic material are deposited sequentially into a fermentation zone of a chamber and hot exhaust gases generated by the fermentation process are passed through an air-to-air heat exchanger along with cooler ambient intake air which is in its turn heated and turned back on the waste material in the second drying stage.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for converting organic waste materials from a municipal waste stream to useful products. Organic waste materials having a wide range of compositions such as, for example, yard waste, food waste, paper, and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste are converted into a uniform biomass that is suitable for conversion to useful products, such as fuels. Through the use of a biomixer and a hydropulper, as well as through sorting and screening, the organic waste materials are progressively reduced in size and cleaned of contamination. The resulting uniform biomass is suitable for anaerobic digestion to produce biogas and a residual solid that is suitable for producing a high quality compost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel microbial strain, Alteromonas sp. SN2 (KCTC11700BP) having an activity for degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), a bioremediation process of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminants, comprising contacting a microbial strain Alteromonas sp. with PAH, and a composition for purifying polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminants, comprising a microbial strain Alteromonas sp. It is advantageous that the present invention may be suitably utilized in treatment or remediation of oil contaminants, particularly naphthalene soil contaminants without production of a secondary contaminant source. As the strain and bioremediation process of this invention could be industrially utilized through low-cost and environment-friendly process, the present technology also may be carried out much more economically and efficiently than conventional technologies such as thermal technology, solidification technology, and vapor extraction technology.

Abstract: A method for treating hygienically unstable waste is disclosed. Waste is allowed to aerobically ferment for approximately 36 hours at a temperature of 40 to 50° C. During aerobic fermentation, an external air supply maintains the appropriate temperature, while restacking of the substrate ensures uniform oxygen distribution. After approximately 36 hours of aerobic fermentation, the amount of externally supplied air is decreased, leading to a gradual temperature rise. The substrate is kept at a temperature range of 70 to 80° C. for a period of 30 to 60 minutes, followed by intensive aeration which is performed until the maximum moisture content of 10% is reached. The waste has then been converted to a hygienically stabilized product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the purification of waste water, in particular for the continuous purification of waste water in papermaking, where waste water to be purified is fed to an anaerobic reactor (12), the waste water is contacted, in the anaerobic reactor (12), with anaerobic microorganisms in order to degrade contaminants present in the waste water, and the purified waste water is discharged from the anaerobic reactor (12), where at least some of the waste water is subjected to a pressure-release flotation step (30) before being supplied to the anaerobic reactor or after being discharged from the anaerobic reactor, in order to delime the water to at least some extent. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device which is suitable for carrying out the process according to the invention.

Abstract: Treatment of a radioactive waste stream is provided by adding sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and/or potassium hydroxide (KOH) together with a rapidly dissolving form of silica, e.g., fumed silica or fly ash. Alternatively, the fumed silica can be first dissolved in a NaOH/KOH solution, which is then combined with the waste solution. Adding a binder that can be a mixture of metakaolin (Al2O3.2SiO2), ground blast furnace slag, fly ash, or other additives. Adding an “enhancer” that can be composed of a group of additives that are used to further enhance the immobilization of heavy metals and key radionuclides such as 99Tc and 129I. An additional step can involve simple mixing of the binder with the activator and enhancer, which can occur in the final waste form container, or in a mixing vessel prior to pumping into the final waste form container, depending on the particular application.

Abstract: Novel strains of isolated and purified bacteria have been identified which have the ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons including a variety of PAHs. Several isolates also exhibit the ability to produce a biosurfactant. The combination of the biosurfactant-producing ability along with the ability to degrade PAHs enhances the efficiency with which PAHs may be degraded. Additionally, the biosurfactant also provides an additional ability to bind heavy metal ions for removal from a soil or aquatic environment.

Abstract: The invention concerns uranium-chelating peptides as well as their uses for decontaminating soils and water, and for detecting and treating people contaminated by uranium. Said peptides have a helix-loop-helix type structure comprising the sequence of a calmodulin loop including at least one mutation of neutral residues selected from the group consisting of S, T, C, H, Y, N and Q, of one, two or three residues of at least one of the four calmodulin calcium binding sites: site I: residues selected among D20, D22 and D24 residues; site II: residues selected among D56, D58 and N60 residues; site III: residues selected among D93, D95 and N97 residues; site IV: residues selected among D129, D131 and D133 residues; said positions being indicated with reference to the human calmodulin sequence.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for the biofiltration of volatile organic compounds. The process involved recirculating contaminated effluent gas through a biofilter (1), the biofilter (1) having an inlet (20), outlet (15) and micro-organism laden filter media bed (3). The filter media bed additionally having moisture retaining properties. This process has been effective in removing high levels of VOCs from effluent gas streams and also in removing VOCs from an effluent gas stream where the VOC levels and/or volumes of effluent gas vary over time.

Abstract: Novel strains of isolated and purified bacteria have been identified which have the ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons including a variety of PAHs. Several isolates also exhibit the ability to produce a biosurfactant. The combination of the biosurfactant-producing ability along with the ability to degrade PAHs enhances the efficiency with which PAHs may be degraded. Additionally, the biosurfactant also provides an additional ability to bind heavy metal ions for removal from a soil or aquatic environment.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing organophosphate exposure associated damage in a subject in need thereof is provided. The method comprising providing the subject with a therapeutically effective amount of AChE-R to thereby treat the organophosphate exposure associated damage in the subject.

Abstract: Novel strains of isolated and purified bacteria have been identified which have the ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons including a variety of PAHs. Several isolates also exhibit the ability to produce a biosurfactant. The combination of the biosurfactant-producing ability along with the ability to degrade PAHs enhances the efficiency with which PAHs may be degraded. Additionally, the biosurfactant also provides an additional ability to bind heavy metal ions for removal from a soil or aquatic environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to yeast biocatalysts and methods of using yeast biocatalysts for detoxifying a biowarfare agent. In some embodiments, a yeast biocatalyst may include a nucleic acid encoding a phage lysin operably linked to a prepro leader sequence, an expression control sequence operably linked to the nucleic acid, and a bioeffective amount (e.g., enough to detoxify) of the phage lysin. A yeast biocatalyst may include an engineered strain of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A phage lysin may be selected from the group consisting of PlyG and PlyPH. A method of detoxifying a biowarfare agent may include contacting a biowarfare agent with a yeast biocatalyst under conditions that permit detoxification. Conditions that permit detoxification, according to some embodiments, may include conditions that permit expression and secretion of a phage lysin. In some embodiments, conditions that permit detoxification may include conditions that permit germination of a spore.

Abstract: A method of deactivating an explosive composition provided in an explosive cartridge, which method comprises exposing the explosive composition to a deactivating agent that renders the explosive composition insensitive to detonation, wherein the deactivating agent is a plant.

Abstract: Embodiments of techniques for remediating soil contaminated with compounds, particularly nitro-based explosives, are disclosed. Plants capable of taking up the compounds are grown within contaminated soil for a period of time. The plants are exposed to anaerobic microbes in the rumen of a ruminant animal. The ruminal anaerobic microbes degrade the remediable compounds and render them substantially nontoxic to the animal. In some embodiments, the remediable compounds are nitroaromatic compounds, and are degraded by nitroreductases. In other embodiments, microbes are transferred from a consortium enriched in microbes capable of degrading the remediable compounds to a ruminant animal that lacks microbes capable of degrading the remediable compounds. In other embodiments, methods for isolating and identifying ruminal anaerobic microbes capable of degrading remediable compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for collecting bacterial cells includes feeding water containing ammonium and nitrite to an anaerobic ammonium oxidation vessel to denitrify ammonium and nitrite by anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria provided in the anaerobic ammonium oxidation vessel to form denitrified water containing an amount of the anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria and a sludge containing an amount of the anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria; and feeding the denitrified water containing an amount of the anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria and the sludge containing an amount of the anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria to a precipitation vessel, in which an acclimatization container is stored, to cause the anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria in the denitrified water to be attached to an immobilizing material in the acclimatization container, so that the anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria in the denitrified water are collected, and, at the same time, to collect the anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria of the sludg

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of heat-stable carbonic anhydrase in CO2 extraction, e.g., from flue gas, natural gas or biogas. Furthermore, the invention relates to isolated polypeptides having carbonic anhydrase activity at elevated temperatures and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides.

Abstract: A method of treating bio waste including the steps of (1) fermenting substantially raw biowaste in a pathogen reduction stage under anaerobic conditions for a predetermined period at a temperature in the mesophillic temperature range and (2) subsequently separating the solid and liquid phases to produce a fermented cake and fermented liquor. The fermented cake has at least 15% solids on dry basis and contains over 500 mg/L ammonia, over 1,000 mg/L total Volatile Fatty Acids (tVFA) and Escherichia coli less than 100,000 cfu per g dry solids. The fermented liquor contains over 10,000 mg/L COD, over 500 mg/L ammonia, over 1,000 mg/L tVFA and less than 5,000 mg/L of suspended solids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having organophosphorous hydrolase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The method of detoxification of yperite—bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide—by the use of a haloalkane dehalogenases or their compositions, the method of preparation of dehalogenationating enzymes and of decontamination compositions which contains at least one wild type and/or modified haloalkane dehalogenase (EC 3.8.1.5) as an chemically active component. The preferred dehalogenases are LinB from Sphingomonas paucimobilis UT26, DhaA from Rhodococcus rodochrous NCIMB 13064, DmbA from Mycobacterium bovis 5033/66. Decontamination is utilizable for detoxification of yperite from the surfaces of instrumentality, constructional objects, human or animal skin and elements of environment by the treatment of yperite with the detoxification composition according the invention at +10° C. to +70° C., preferably at about +40° C. and pH from 4 to 12.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microorganisms able to reduce mercury ion to metallic mercury; in particular, it refers to systems, apparatuses such as a stirred bioreactor and methods for microbiological mercury removal from contaminated materials, such as, e.g., contaminated environmental matrices, like soil and sediments. The contaminated material is mixed with selected microrganisms capable to enable enzymatic reduction of mercury in ionic form to elemental mercury.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an anaerobic digestion of animal manures, energy crops and similar organic substrates. The process is capable of refining nutrients comprised in the digested biomass to fertilizers of commercial quality. The invention also provides a method for oprocessing animal carcasses or fractions thereof including meat and bone meal etc., with the objective of providing an alternative means for processing the organic waste material of animal origin while at the same time facilitating the production of fertilizers. The risk of spreading BSE prions or any other prions to animals or humans is thus substantially reduced if not eliminated. The biogas and slurry separation system according to the present invention is preferably integrated with the operations of animal husbandries into a total concept in which the internal and external performances of animal husbandries are optimised.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to reactive compositions and methods of use thereof, wherein a metal oxide cluster is used to connect a reactive group (or groups) to the surface of a substrate. In certain embodiments, the reactive group in the compositions decomposes organophosphate agents through nucleophilic hydrolysis. In certain embodiments, the reactive group in the compositions is bactericidal. Remarkably, the use of metal oxide clusters in the disclosed compositions and methods permits incorporation of higher quantities of nucleophilic and bactericidal groups without the difficulties associated with having to pretreat the substrate prior to its association with the reactive groups.