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.