Abstract: The present invention relates to a near-universal non-corrosive, non-toxic, environmentally safe and user friendly decontaminant capable of detoxifying organophosphorus (OP)-based G-type, V-type neurotoxic chemical warfare, sulfur-mustard, and related OP based hazardous industrial materials in a dry powder form. The decontaminant contains OPH enzyme, OPAA enzyme, DFPase enzyme, dehalogenase enzyme, quaternary ammonium salt, a pH control reagent, a fire-fighting agent, and a foaming agent. The decontaminant is mixed with available water for use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a near-universal non-corrosive, non-toxic, environmentally safe and user friendly decontaminant capable of detoxifying organophosphorus (OP)-based G-type, V-type neurotoxic chemical warfare, sulfur-mustard, and related OP based hazardous industrial materials in a dry powder form. The decontaminant contains OPH enzyme, OPAA enzyme, DFPase enzyme, dehalogenase enzyme, quaternary ammonium salt, a pH control reagent, a fire-fighting agent, and a foaming agent. The decontaminant is mixed with available water for use.

Abstract: The invention provides purified and isolated DNA fragments from Bacillus anthracis chromosomal DNA, primer sets and probes derived therefrom, as well as kits and detection methods for B. anthracis. The methods of the invention provide for specific detection of anthrax over closely related strains of Bacillus, as well as accurate detection of low numbers of B. anthracis in an environmental sample containing large amounts of non-specific DNA. The invention is applicable to food, health care, and military applications.

Abstract: The invention provides purified and isolated DNA fragments from Bacillus anthracis chromosomal DNA, primer sets and probes derived therefrom, as well as kits and detection methods for B. anthracis. The methods of the invention provide for specific detection of anthrax over closely related strains of Bacillus, as well as accurate detection of low numbers of B. anthracis in an environmental sample containing large amounts of non-specific DNA. The invention is applicable to food, health care, and military applications.

Abstract: The invention provides purified and isolated DNA fragments from Bacillus anthracis chromosomal DNA, primer sets and probes derived therefrom, as well as kits and detection methods for B. anthracis. The methods of the invention provide for specific detection of anthrax over closely related strains of Bacillus, as well as accurate detection of low numbers of B. anthracis in an environmental sample containing large amounts of non-specific DNA. The invention is applicable to food, health care, and military applications.

Abstract: The invention provides purified and isolated DNA fragments from Bacillus anthracis chromosomal DNA, primer sets and probes derived therefrom, as well as kits and detection methods for B. anthracis. The methods of the invention provide for specific detection of anthrax over closely related strains of Bacillus, as well as accurate detection of low numbers of B. anthracis in an environmental sample containing large amounts of non-specific DNA. The invention is applicable to food, health care, and military applications.

Abstract: The invention provides purified and isolated DNA fragments from Bacillus anthracis chromosomal DNA, primer sets and probes derived therefrom, as well as kits and detection methods for B. anthracis. The methods of the invention provide for specific detection of anthrax over closely related strains of Bacillus, as well as accurate detection of low numbers of B. anthracis in an environmental sample containing large amounts of non-specific DNA. The invention is applicable to food, health care, and military applications.

Abstract: The invention provides purified and isolated DNA fragments from Bacillus anthracis chromosomal DNA, primer sets and probes derived therefrom, as well as kits and detection methods for B. anthracis. The methods of the invention provide for specific detection of anthrax over closely related strains of Bacillus, as well as accurate detection of low numbers of B. anthracis in an environmental sample containing large amounts of non-specific DNA. The invention is applicable to food, health care, and military applications.

Abstract: Nanocapsules useful for encapsulating bioactive molecules such as proteins are disclosed. These nanocapsules are comprised of branched or hyperbranched polymers and copolymers and have a core-shell structure forming a pocket volume appropriate for complexing and retaining enzymes and other bioactive molecules. The nanoencapsulated bioactive molecule is stable in extreme temperatures and pH, soluble in aqueous or organic solvents, and can be lyophilized to a dry powder for long-term storage without loss of enzyme activity.

Abstract: Novel and improved processes for isolating organophosphorus hydrolase enzyme from an aqueous solution and obtaining substantially purified enzyme at high yield are provided, as well as compositions, including storage stable lyophilyzed organophosphorus hydrolase enzyme compositions, that are prepared by the provided methods. The organophosphorus hydrolase enzyme is purified by contacting an aqueous solution of cell free bacterial proteins with a strong cation exchange resin, the aqueous solution comprising soluble organophosphorus hydrolase enzyme, washing the strong cation exchange resin with a washing buffer to remove unbound proteins from the strong cation exchange resin, eluting proteins that remain bound to the strong cation exchange resin by washing the resin with an eluting buffer comprising salt in a concentration that starts at about zero and is raised during the eluting process to about 0.5M, and detecting and collecting eluate comprising a protein having organophosphorus hydrolase enzyme activity.

Abstract: The invention provides purified and isolated DNA fragments from Bacillus anthracis chromosomal DNA, primer sets and probes derived therefrom, as well as kits and detection methods for B. anthracis. The methods of the invention provide for specific detection of anthrax over closely related strains of Bacillus, as well as accurate detection of low numbers of B. anthracis in an environmental sample containing large amounts of non-specific DNA. The invention is applicable to food, health care, and military applications.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for enzymatic detoxification of organophosphorus compounds. The compositions contain a recombinant enzyme expressed by a cloned gene encoding an organophosphorus acid anhydrolase (OPAA-2) from the Alteromonas sp. bacteria, strain JD6.5. These compositions may be prepared as a dry powder and reconstituted with various water sources when needed. The methods involve application of compositions of recombinant OPAA-2 to surfaces or substances contaminated with organophosphorus compounds under conditions which maximize activity and stability of the enzyme.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for enzymatic detoxification of organophosphorus compounds. The compositions contain a recombinant enzyme expressed by a cloned gene encoding an organophosphorus acid anhydrolase (OPAA-2) from the Alteromonas sp. bacteria, strain JD6.5. These compositions may be prepared as a dry powder and reconstituted with various water sources when needed. The methods involve application of compositions of recombinant OPAA-2 to surfaces or substances contaminated with organophosphorus compounds under conditions which maximize activity and stability of the enzyme.