In short :
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has developed an artificial metal-based nanozyme that mimics natural antioxidant enzymes to prevent excess blood clotting caused by conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and COVID-19-related thrombosis.
Key Highlights :
Problem Addressed:
- In diseases like PTE and COVID-19, oxidative stress elevates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels, over-activating platelets and leading to excessive clot formation—a major cause of morbidity and mortality.
Innovation:
- A vanadium-based nanozyme (V₂O₅) was synthesised, which scavenges ROS and prevents the overactivation of platelets, thereby regulating the clotting cascade.
Methodology:
- Researchers synthesised redox-active nanomaterials in varied shapes and tested their effects on human blood platelets activated by physiological agonists like collagen and thrombin.
Result:
- Spherical vanadium pentoxide nanozymes showed the highest efficacy in preventing platelet aggregation.
Next Phase:
- The team aims to test the nanozyme’s effectiveness in ischemic stroke, which also results from vessel blockage.
CONCEPTS :
NANOZYMES
Definition: Nanozymes are nanomaterial-based artificial enzymes that replicate the catalytic behavior of natural enzymes.
Types: Can be metallic, metal oxide-based, carbon-based, or hybrid forms.
Advantages over Natural Enzymes:
- High stability under extreme pH and temperature conditions
- Cost-effective, durable, and easy to mass produce
- Better recovery and storage capacity
- Tunable properties for targeted therapeutic use
Applications:
Used in the treatment of:
- Cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory conditions
- Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)
- Wound healing
- Management of diseases linked to Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)
What Are Enzymes?
Definition: Enzymes are proteins that catalyze (speed up) biochemical reactions in living organisms.
Function: Help build or break down molecules essential for metabolism.
Occurrence: Naturally produced in all living organisms; also used in food, medicine, and industry.
| UPSC Relevance GS3 – Science and Technology:Advancement in nanomedicine, Biomedical applications of nanozymes, Artificial substitutes to biomolecules GS2 – Health:Innovative tools in disease prevention and management Possible Mains Question: “Discuss the role of nanotechnology in advancing healthcare with special reference to IISc’s recent development of artificial nanozymes for controlling blood clotting.” |