Enzyme-based additives for paints and coatings

Active enzymes and other active biomolecules sequestered in paints and coatings have the potential to provide one of the more unique surface coatings yet identified. We report here the design and characterization of biological additives for latex coatings which impart catalytic detoxification or biodefensive capabilities to surfaces. The concept has been verified by the application of catalytic surfaces in the remediation of organophosphorus (OP) compounds, which include many of the commonly used pesticides as well as the most dangerous chemical warfare agents. The strategy for manufacture of these biocatalytic coatings involves the coupling of the power of biology with off-the-shelf, environmentally friendly paints. In this study, the entrapment of the biocatalyst in a latex coating is verified by analysis of the catalytic parameters for the enzyme in the coating. An estimation of the coating's operational and storage stability is also provided. Given the knowledge of the stability and activity of native and modified organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH, EC 3.1.8.1), the initial model system in the development of catalytic coatings is the OPH-catalyzed hydrolysis of paraoxon, demeton-S and diisopropylfluorophosphate, as well as neurotoxic chemical warfare agents. Success with these enzyme-substrate pairs will be used as the base for the incorporation of other biocatalysts into films and coatings.