Patent · US Expired

Biodegradation of explosives

US6274368A · kind A · utility

7Cited by
0References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 23, 1998
Grant dateAug 14, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 23, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S435/822
  • WIPO fieldBiotechnology
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

An enzymically active cell free extract or membrane fraction capable of catalysing the removal of nitrite from hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) is provided. The cell free extract is produced by culturing a strain of Rhodococcus rhodochrous bacterium from nature. The strain designated 11Y has been deposited as NCIMB 40820. Methods of bioremediation using the enzymically active cell free extract so produced are also provided. Additionally there is provided a method for detecting the presence of RDX in a sample together with a biosensor for use in such a method. The nitrite produced in the enzyme catalysed reaction with RDX is detected, for example, colorimetrically, or alternatively a product of RDX degradation, such as formal behyde, is detected.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.