Protection of Human Skin Against Pesticides

The large area of the human skin and its exposed position on the body surface make it an important portal of entry for toxic agents. Pesticides are able to penetrate the skin and reach the systemic blood and other tissue. Pericor Science has developed atechnology by means of which a pesticide-degrading enzyme can be coupled to the cornified layer of the human epidermis by covalent bonds introduced by a (physiological) transglutaminase-catalyzed reaction. The pesticide-degrading enzyme, when coupled tothe cornified layer, remains active and able to degrade the toxic compound. It is proposed to apply the Pericor method of coupling to protection against pesticides. All aspects of the process relevant to achieving optimum protection will be examined. Testsin vitro and on animals will be used to establish the quality of protection. At the end of the period of the contract, the procedure should be ready for human testing. Anticipated Benefits: The human pesticide protection product being developed underthis STTR Phase II project is a topical prophylactic, probably in "lotion" form, for a multi-day protection against accidental and incidental exposure to organophosphorous-class pesticides. Pericor Science's proprietary corneocyte-linking technology willbe hybridized to an optimized pesticide-neutralizing enzyme developed in conjunction with the Army.