Decontamination of Sulfur Mustard Simulants in Enzyme-containing Ionic Liquids

The ionic liquid choline acetate has been investigated as potential containment agent in the decontamination of sulfur mustard simulants. The medium offers multiple benefits such as low intrinsic toxicity and a negligible vapor pressure to effectively bind the volatile chemical warfare agents (CWAs). In addition, choline acetate-based aqueous solutions provide an environment in which enzymes retain good biocatalytic activity. This study exploits the various beneficial aspects of choline by combining the ionic liquid with two redox enzymes, choline oxidase and a haloperoxidase, for the rapid catalytic conversion of sulfur mustard simulants. The system operates with air as sole terminal oxidant where the oxidase utilizes choline and O2 for the in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide. The haloperoxidase further accelerates the degradation of the CWA through production of hypochlorite as strong oxidizer.