Environmentally Responsible Microbiological Production of Energetic Ingredients (SEED Project)

WP-1515

Objective

Infoscitex investigated biosynthetic approaches toward the generation of nitramines (RDX, HMX) used in explosives. Nitramines are widely used by the U.S. military as key components of contemporary weapons. However, production of these nitroenergetics involves the use of highly concentrated hot nitric and sulfuric acids, results in the emission of nitrogen oxides, and is also a potential health hazard. The development of an alternative process for producing nitro-energetic compounds under milder conditions, in an environmentally friendly manner, and in higher yields is needed.

The objective of this project was to develop microorganisms capable of catalyzing bioconversion (oxidation-nitration) of the common RDX precursor, hexamine, into RDX in presence of nitrite and peroxide.

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Technical Approach

The project encompassed three main activities:

  • Generation of a microbial strain that would be able to convert hexamine into RDX
  • Generation of microbially produced RDX
  • Characterization of the microbial product

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Results

The following outcomes were generated:

  • A microbial strain deriving from a known microbial RDX degrader, Rhodococcus strain DN22, was engineered to exhibit elevated levels of cytochrome P450 expression and activity that would be required for hexamine to RDX conversion.
  • The biomass of this microorganism was applied to attempt the hexamine to RDX conversion.
  • The microbial product was analyzed for presence of RDX by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Formation of RDX was not detected. However, it is possible that some RDX-like intermediates were formed in trace amounts.

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Benefits

The development of an alternative process for producing nitro-energetic compounds under milder conditions, in an environmentally friendly manner, and in higher yields would result in a significant saving and improvement of the quality of life in the surrounding communities.

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Project Documents

Points of Contact

Principal Investigator

Dr. Vladimir Gilman

Infoscitex Corporation

Phone: 781-890-1338 x224

Fax: 781-684-4600

Program Manager

Weapons Systems and Platforms

SERDP and ESTCP

Project Documents

Document Types

  • Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
  • Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
  • Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
  • Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
  • Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
  • Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
  • Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
  • Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
  • Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.