9731513 Mulchandani This project is to develop a novel approach for the biodegradation of organophosphorous nerve agents based on the application of "live" biocatalysts with organophosphorous hydrolase (OPH) and cellulose binding domain protein (CPD) displayed onto the cell surface in immobilized cell bioreactors, and to demonstrate the feasibility of using this technology for large-scale detoxification of nerve agents. Specific objectives are to: 1) Illustrate that the coexpression of OPH and CPD onto the cell surface affords very tight binding of the live biocatalysts to cellulosic materials; 2) Determine the optimal ratio of surface-displayed OPH and CPD for detoxification and immobilization; 3) Select the appropriate cellulose immobiliztion matrix for immobilizing large numbers of OPH expressing cells tightly and for use in a flow through immobilized cell biorector; and 4) Develop batch and continuous immobilized cell bioreactorsbaed on the optimized "live" biocatalysts and selected cellulose immobilization supports for detoxification of organophosphate nerve agents. ***
