Bioremediation Of Organophosphate Neurotoxins Using Cryoimmobillzed Matricies

Abstract

E. coli cells expressing a recombinant organophosphate degrading gene (opd) were successfully encapsulated in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using cryoimmobilization. Gel matrices were composed of 10% cells in 10% PVA, and electron microscopy demonstrated that the cells were well distributed throughout the gel and that their morphology was preserved. The beads were measured for activity with paraoxon, as a substrate, over a pH range of 4.0-10.0. Thermal stability was assayed by exposing beads to temperatures between 22 and 60°C, and for bioreactor simulation, a column of encapsulated cells was prepared and cheked for performance. Cryoimmobilization proved to be an effective technique for bioremediation.