The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government

Cambridge University Technical Services Limited

The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Christopher Edward French

Neil C Bruce

Stephen Nicklin

Amrik Basran

Emma Rachel Travis

Peter Roland Binks

The present invention pertains to an enzymatic reaction involving a pyridine nucleotide cofactor, wherein an enzyme is used that has a sequence of greater than 70% identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 and is capable of transferring reducing equivalents between pyridine nucleotide cofactors. Alternatively, a cell transformed to express the enzyme may be used.

Enzymatic cofactor cycling using soluble pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase

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,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.

Biodegradation of explosives

Detection and biodegradation of explosives

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Christopher Edward French