Decontamination
Decontamination of Warfare-Grade Agents
A NATO technician checks nerve agent contaminated samples at field trials in Germany. (Martha Rial, Post-Gazette) A cost-effective, non-corrosive formulation that rapidly detoxifies a broad spectrum of chemical agents and biological spores on contaminated surfaces is necessary for the defense against unconventional military and terrorist threats. ICx is currently in a collaboration to develop a decontamination formulation that utilizes the hydrolytic and oxidative properties of enzymes to rapidly degrade V-, G- and H-series chemical agents, as well as biological spores.
Many of the current decontamination formulations are effective, but they require the use of strong oxidizing agents or organic solvents that have negative effects on materials used in the field. The ICx formulation will be in a solid powdered form whereas the end-user will add water and apply to the contaminated surface using an ICx-designed sprayer.
Pesticide Remediation
ICx biopolymers have desirable physical properties and maintain high stability in a variety of environments while retaining significant biocatalytic activity. We are currently attempting to exploit this technology by developing an array of products for many different marketplaces. The synthesis of enzyme-containing polymer fabrics that detoxify many commercially available pesticide preparations is one of the focus areas.
- Biocatalytic fabrics are ideal for removing pesticide contamination from smooth surfaces such as plastics, metals (steel, aluminum), finished wood, glass and ceramic tile.
- Once pesticide residues have been removed from the surface, the enzyme component of the fabric begins to detoxify (hydrolysis) removed contamination.
| Demonstrated susceptible active ingredients | Demonstrated detoxification of these commercially available pesticide formulations. |
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