Organophosphate
Organophosphates (also known as phosphate esters) are a class of organophosphorus compounds with the general structure O=P(OR). They can be considered as esters of phosphoric acid. Like most functional groups organophosphates occur in a diverse range of forms, with important examples including key biomolecules such as DNA, RNA and ATP, as well as many insecticides, herbicides, and nerve agents.
Organophosphorus acid anhydrolase
Organophosphorus acid anhydrolase (OPAA) is an enzyme that been shown to be particularly effective in detoxifying organophosphorus-containing compounds, such as deadly nerve gas used in chemical warfare. The enzyme is found in a diverse range of organisms, including protozoa, squid and clams, mammals, and soil bacteria. A highly active form of the enzyme is typically isolated from the marine bacteria "Alteromonas undina" for laboratory study. This form is both halophilic and thermophilic, making it particularly useful for detoxification applications. A slightly less active variant of OPAA has also been isolated in mung beans and slime mold duckweed.