In News:

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru have developed a novel vanadium-based nanozyme that effectively controls abnormal blood clotting by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). This innovation holds promise for managing life-threatening conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and ischemic stroke.

Scientific Background:

• Normal Blood Clotting: Platelets are specialized blood cells that form clots at injury sites through a process called haemostasis, involving activation by physiological chemicals like collagen and thrombin.
• Problem of Abnormal Clotting: In conditions like COVID-19 and PTE, oxidative stress increases, leading to elevated ROS levels. This causes hyperactivation of platelets, resulting in excessive clot formation (thrombosis) — a leading cause of death globally.

Nanozyme Innovation by IISc:

• What is a Nanozyme?

An engineered nanomaterial that mimics the action of natural enzymes, in this case, glutathione peroxidase, which neutralizes ROS.

• Material Used: Vanadium pentoxide (V?O?) nanozymes, particularly those with spherical morphology, were found to be the most efficient.
• Mechanism: The redox-active surface of vanadium nanozymes catalytically reduces ROS, preventing unwanted platelet aggregation.

Testing and Results:

• In vitro testing: Human blood platelets were activated with physiological agonists. Nanozymes were tested for their ability to curb excessive aggregation.
• In vivo testing (mouse model of PTE):
  • Nanozyme injection led to reduced thrombosis.
  • Improved survival rates without observable toxicity.
  • Animals were monitored for 5 days post-treatment for health parameters.

Future Prospects:

• Researchers aim to test the nanozyme's potential against ischemic strokes, which also result from vascular blockages.
• Encouraging results with human platelets indicate the possibility of clinical trials in the near future.