Stabilization of OrganophosphorusHydrolase by Entrapmentin Silk Fibroin: Formation of a Robust Enzymatic Material Suitablefor Surface Coatings.

Organophosphates are some of the most acutely toxic compoundssynthesizedon an industrial scale, and organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) has theability to hydrolyze and inactivate a number of these chemicals. However,OPH activity is vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions thatwould accompany its practical utility in the field; a limitation thatcan also be extended to conditions required for incorporation of OPHinto useful materials. Here we present evidence that entrapment ofOPH in silk fibroin leads to stabilization of OPH activity under avariety of conditions that would otherwise reduce free enzyme activity,such as elevated temperature, UV light exposure and the presence ofdetergent. Silk fibroin entrapment of OPH also allowed for its dispersalinto a polyurethane-based coating that retained organophosphate hydrolysisactivity after formulation, application and drying. Together, thedata presented here demonstrate the utility of silk fibroin entrapmentfor the protection of OPH activity under a variety of environmentalconditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]