Oligonucleotide Enzyme Surrogate (OnES)

Historically organophosphorus compounds such as insecticides and nerve agents have been susceptible to decomposition by proteinaceous enzymes. Organophosphate hydrolases (OPH) represent a practical method to deactivate such compounds peripherally and on surfaces. However, when such organophosphates are ingested, the use of proteinaceous enzymes such as OPH can be problematic because of their tendency to produce an immune response. In order to avoid this issue, Accacia International will manipulate DNA oligonucleotides using a novel and innovative selection method. DNA aptamers will be selected through the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX) method to accomplish the task of creating an enzyme surrogate.