Encapsulation of a Nerve Agent Detoxifying Enzyme by a Mesoporous Zirconium Metal–Organic Framework Engenders Thermal and Long-Term Stability

Immobilized enzymes typically have greater thermal and operational stability than their soluble form. Here we report that for the first time, a nerve agent detoxifying enzyme, organophosphorus acid anhydrolase (OPAA), has been successfully encapsulated into a water-stable zirconium metal–organic framework (MOF). This MOF features a hierarchical mesoporous channel structure and exhibits a 12 wt % loading capacity of OPAA. The thermal and long-term stabilities of OPAA are both significantly enhanced after immobilization

Nanosizing a Metal–Organic Framework Enzyme Carrier for Accelerating Nerve Agent Hydrolysis

We report the synthesis and characterization of a water-stable zirconium metal–organic framework (MOF), <b>NU-1003</b>, featuring the largest mesoporous aperture known for a zirconium MOF. This material has been used to immobilize the nerve agent hydrolyzing enzyme, organophosphorus acid anhydrolase (OPAA). The catalytic efficiency of immobilized OPAA in <i>nanosized</i> <b>NU-1003</b> is significantly increased compared to that of OPAA immobilized in <i>microsized</i> <b>NU-1003</b> and even exceeds that of the free OPAA enzyme. This paper highlights a method for rapid and highly efficient hydrolysis of nerve agents using nanosized enzyme carriers

Nanosizing a Metal–Organic Framework Enzyme Carrier for Accelerating Nerve Agent Hydrolysis

We report the synthesis and characterization of a water-stable zirconium metal–organic framework (MOF), <b>NU-1003</b>, featuring the largest mesoporous aperture known for a zirconium MOF. This material has been used to immobilize the nerve agent hydrolyzing enzyme, organophosphorus acid anhydrolase (OPAA). The catalytic efficiency of immobilized OPAA in <i>nanosized</i> <b>NU-1003</b> is significantly increased compared to that of OPAA immobilized in <i>microsized</i> <b>NU-1003</b> and even exceeds that of the free OPAA enzyme. This paper highlights a method for rapid and highly efficient hydrolysis of nerve agents using nanosized enzyme carriers