<p>Bengaluru: Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a tiny artificial metal-based enzyme, or ‘nanozyme’, that could help prevent dangerous blood clots.</p>.<p>Normally, blood clots form to stop bleeding when you get injured. But sometimes, clots form without any injury, as seen in conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and severe Covid-19 infections. In such cases, excess toxic molecules called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) build up, activating platelets and triggering clots that block blood flow and can cause fatal complications.</p>.<p>To address this, a team led by Prof G Mugesh from the Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry at IISc created nano-sized particles using a material called vanadium pentoxide. This metal mimics the activity of glutathione peroxidase, a natural antioxidant enzyme in the body. By reducing ROS levels, the nanozyme keeps platelets inactive, preventing unwanted clot formation. "The unique chemistry of the vanadium metal is crucial because the redox reactions that reduce ROS levels are happening on the surface of the vanadium nanomaterial,” said Mugesh, in an IISc press release.</p>.<p>The researchers tested the nanozyme on human blood platelets in the lab and on mice with PTE. It not only reduced excess clotting and improved survival in mice, but also did not interfere with normal clotting or cause side-effects like excessive bleeding — a major drawback of many current anti-clotting drugs.</p>.<p>The team's next step is to check if this nanozyme can help treat ischemic strokes and eventually move towards clinical trials.</p>
<p>Bengaluru: Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a tiny artificial metal-based enzyme, or ‘nanozyme’, that could help prevent dangerous blood clots.</p>.<p>Normally, blood clots form to stop bleeding when you get injured. But sometimes, clots form without any injury, as seen in conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and severe Covid-19 infections. In such cases, excess toxic molecules called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) build up, activating platelets and triggering clots that block blood flow and can cause fatal complications.</p>.<p>To address this, a team led by Prof G Mugesh from the Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry at IISc created nano-sized particles using a material called vanadium pentoxide. This metal mimics the activity of glutathione peroxidase, a natural antioxidant enzyme in the body. By reducing ROS levels, the nanozyme keeps platelets inactive, preventing unwanted clot formation. "The unique chemistry of the vanadium metal is crucial because the redox reactions that reduce ROS levels are happening on the surface of the vanadium nanomaterial,” said Mugesh, in an IISc press release.</p>.<p>The researchers tested the nanozyme on human blood platelets in the lab and on mice with PTE. It not only reduced excess clotting and improved survival in mice, but also did not interfere with normal clotting or cause side-effects like excessive bleeding — a major drawback of many current anti-clotting drugs.</p>.<p>The team's next step is to check if this nanozyme can help treat ischemic strokes and eventually move towards clinical trials.</p>
