First efficient uncharged reactivators for the dephosphylation of poisoned human acetylcholinesterase.

Nerve agents are highly toxic organophosphorus compounds with strong inhibition potency against acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Herein, we describe two first extremely promising uncharged reactivators for poisoned human AChE with a superior or similar in vitro ability to reactivate the enzyme as compared to that of HI-6, obidoxime, TMB-4 and HLö-7.

A HTS assay for the detection of organophosphorus nerve agent scavengers.

A new pro-fluorescent probe aimed at a HTS assay of scavengers is able to selectively and efficiently cleave the P-S bond of organophosphorus nerve agents and by this provides non-toxic phosphonic acid has been designed and synthesised. The previously described pro-fluorescent probes were based on a conventional activated P-Oaryl bond cleavage, whereas our approach uses a self-immolative linker strategy that allows the detection of phosphonothioase activity with respect to a non-activated P-Salkyl bond. Further, we have also developed and optimised a high-throughput screening assay for the selection of decontaminants (chemical or biochemical scavengers) that could efficiently hydrolyse highly toxic V-type nerve agents.