4th June 2025 (13 Topics)
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IISc Develops Nanozyme
Context
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have developed an artificial metal-based nanozyme using vanadium pentoxide (V?O?) that mimics natural antioxidant enzymes to control reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus preventing abnormal platelet aggregation and blood clotting in conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and ischemic stroke.
Bridging Nanotechnology and Cardiovascular Therapy:
- Nanozyme: Definition and Functionality
- Nanozymes are engineered nanomaterials that exhibit enzyme-like properties, especially mimicking natural antioxidant enzymes like catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase.
- These nanozymes can catalytically neutralize Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are harmful oxygen-containing free radicals responsible for oxidative stress.
- Medical Context and Application:
- Under physiological conditions, blood clotting is regulated by the haemostasis cascade, involving activation of platelets and clotting factors.
- However, in pathological states like Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE) or COVID-19, elevated ROS levels over-activate platelets, leading to uncontrolled thrombosis (clot formation inside blood vessels), increasing the risk of cardiovascular mortality.
- Role of Vanadium Pentoxide (V?O?) Nanozyme:
- The IISc team synthesized spherical-shaped vanadium pentoxide nanozymes, which demonstrated the highest efficacy in inhibiting abnormal platelet aggregation during lab tests.
- The nanozyme acts by scavenging ROS and maintaining redox balance, thus reducing the over-activation of platelets.
- Significance for India:
- This innovation adds to India’s growing nanobiotechnology and therapeutic research portfolio and addresses a leading non-communicable disease (NCD) challenge.
- It has implications for public health preparedness against both chronic and pandemic-induced vascular complications.
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