DETECTION AND BIOLOGICAL DEGRADATION OF EXPLOSIVES

摘要

PCT No. PCT/GB96/01629 Sec. 371 Date Feb. 2, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Feb. 2, 1998 PCT Filed Jul. 8, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO97/03201 PCT Pub. Date Jan. 30, 1997An enzyme capable of catalyzing the removal of nitrite from pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is provided. The enzyme (known as PETN reductase enzyme) is produced by culturing a novel strain of the Enterobacter cloacae bacterium isolated from nature. The strain designated PB2 has been deposited as NCIMB 40718. The amino acid sequence of the enzyme and the genetic sequence which encodes for this enzyme have also been determined. A PETN reductase enzyme encoded by the on gene is provided. A method for producing PETN reductase enzyme in large quantities and methods of bioremediation using the enzyme so produced are also provided. Additionally there is provided a method of detecting the presence of PETN in a sample together with a biosensor for use in such a method.