Syllabus:
Gs 3: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Context: Recently, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a metal-based artificial nanozyme to combat abnormal blood clotting in conditions like Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE).
More on the News:
IISc’s Nanozyme-Based Solution
- The IISc team developed nanozymes that:
- Mimic natural antioxidant enzymes (e.g., glutathione peroxidase).
- Help scavenge Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and reduce oxidative stress.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive chemicals derived from oxygen that play a significant role in both normal cell function and disease.
- Prevent over-activation of platelets and thus thrombosis.
Nanozyme Development and Testing
- Led by Prof. G. Mugesh, Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry.
- Synthesis process:
- Created redox-active nanomaterials with varied sizes, shapes and morphologies through controlled chemical reactions.
- Testing process:
- Platelets were isolated from human blood and activated with agonists.
- Different nanozymes were tested to check their ability to prevent excess platelet aggregation.
Understanding Normal Blood Clotting
- Normal blood clotting (haemostasis): When a blood vessel is injured, platelets cluster around the site to form a clot and prevent blood loss.
- Haemostasis involves complex protein interactions triggered by physiological agonists like collagen and thrombin.
- Elevated ROS leads to over-activation of platelets, resulting in excessive clot formation (thrombosis).
Excess Clot Formation in Diseases
- In diseases like PTE or COVID-19:
- Oxidative stress increases.
- Levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) become abnormally high.
- This causes over-activation of platelets, leading to excessive clotting (thrombosis).
- Thrombosis is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality.
Key Finding: Vanadium Pentoxide Nanozyme
- Spherical-shaped Vanadium Pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanozymes were the most effective.
- They mimic glutathione peroxidase and significantly reduce ROS levels.
- Vanadium’s unique redox chemistry plays a critical role in this antioxidant action
Animal Trial Outcomes
- The nanozyme was tested in a mouse model of PTE.
- Key observations:
- Significant reduction in thrombosis.
- Increased survival rate of the mice.
- No toxic effects found over five days, based on:
- Weight monitoring
- Behavioural assessment
- Blood parameters
Advantages Over Conventional Drugs
- Traditional anti-platelet drugs may cause bleeding complications by interfering with physiological haemostasis.
- IISc’s nanozymes do not interfere with normal blood clotting.
- Instead, they modulate redox signalling and do not increase the risk of bleeding.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Q: What are nanozymes? Discuss the recent development by IISc Bengaluru in using nanozymes to prevent abnormal blood clotting and its significance over conventional therapies.