Safe Removal of Detonation and Cancer Potential of Nitroguanidine Munitions

Nitroguanidine (NQ) is a major military explosive material that poses a threat to troops from direct exposure and after its reduction in soil to the suspected carcinogen nitrosoguanidine. We are developing a solution for this problem to protect military personnel, contractors, and the public. The technology was developed at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities with funding from the National Science Foundation. Enzymes were identified that completely transform the explosive and its soil products to non-harmful endpoints. Biomanufacturing processes are currently under development at the University’s St. Paul campus Microbial Cell Production facility. This patent-protected technology is being developed with partners to facilitate field applications. We are working with the goal of preventing unintended consequences for military personnel, such as those from Agent Orange defoliant in Vietnam, chemicals in water at Camp Lejeune, and burn pits in Iraq.