Molecular Imprinted Polymers as Enzyme mimics for Decontamination of sulfur and organophosphorus toxic derivatives – MIPEnz-Decontam

MIPEnz-Decontam is a multidisciplinary project aimed to develop innovative decontamination tools able to detoxify, under mild conditions, a broad spectrum of pesticides and chemical warfare agents involved both as vesicants and organophosphorus nerve agents. By a unique combination of established expertise in synthetic organic, smart polymers, supramolecular and macromolecular chemistry, the design of original Molecularly Imprinted Polymers as enzyme mimics based on a recently proven strategy, will allow to provide, for the first time, efficient broad spectrum solutions against the unresolved issues related to the use and the stockpiling of chemical weapons and pesticides. Based on a strong and complementary know-how, well established expertise, and longstanding fruitful collaborations among the three partners, our challenging approach will culminate on the discovery of novel biomimetic MIP to afford effective technologies, with high socio-economic impact in the civilian and military defence.