Context:

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru have developed an artificial metal-based nanozyme that can be useful in effectively controlling abnormal blood clotting processes such as pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). This discovery can not only be helpful in dealing with serious health problems, but is also considered a major step towards preventing life-threatening conditions like stroke.

Normal process of blood clotting and its risks:

When a blood vessel in the body is injured, special blood cells called platelets become active and gather at that spot and stop bleeding by forming a clot. This process, called "hemostasis," is driven by the coordination of various proteins and chemical signals, such as collagen and thrombin. But when this process becomes abnormal, such as during diseases like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) or COVID-19, the amount of "oxidative stress" and "reactive oxygen species (ROS)" in the body becomes unbalanced. This causes platelets to become overly active, and unnecessary clots start forming in the blood vessels, increasing the risk of thrombosis.

New artificial metal-based nanozymes:

The IISc team has developed nanomaterials that act like natural antioxidant enzymes in the body. These nanozymes control reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevent excessive activation of platelets, thereby preventing unnecessary blood clots.

The researchers created redox-active nanomaterials of different sizes and structures and tested them on platelets obtained from human blood. As a result, it was found that spherical vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅)-based nanozymes proved to be the most effective.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS):

When our cells make energy (such as in mitochondria) or when the body is fighting an infection, some oxygen molecules undergo an incomplete chemical reaction and turn into an unstable and highly reactive form. These are called reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is very important to maintain their balance. When their quantity increases, oxidative stress occurs, which can become the root cause of many serious diseases.

Nanozyme:

Nanozyme is an artificially developed nanometer-sized substance that acts like natural enzymes. That is, it helps in accelerating biochemical reactions (catalysis). It is made by chemical methods.

Way forward:

The research team is now planning to test the usefulness of this technology in conditions like ischemic stroke, which occurs due to blockage of blood vessels. This research is a significant milestone in the field of nanomedicine in India, which can provide accurate, rapid and safe solutions to serious health problems in the future.