Nanozymes: IISc’s Breakthrough Against Deadly Blood Clots
- vidyarthee2021
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
In a major advancement in medical science, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅)-based nanozyme that can potentially prevent abnormal blood clotting in conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE).
What is Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE)?
PTE occurs when blood clots block arteries in the lungs, often due to overactivation of platelets.
While clotting is essential to prevent bleeding, excessive clotting (thrombosis) can be fatal.
Role of the Nanozyme
The IISc-developed metal-based nanozyme mimics natural enzymes to regulate platelet activation.
V₂O₅ nanozyme can control the clotting cascade, reducing the risk of mortality from PTE.
What are Nanozymes?
Nanozymes = Nanomaterials with enzyme-like properties
Function like natural enzymes but offer benefits such as:
High stability
Low cost
Easy mass production
High catalytic activity
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 3: Science & Tech – Nanotechnology and its applications in healthcare
GS Paper 2: Government support for scientific innovation and research
Essay/GS4: Innovation in Public Health & Ethics in Scientific Research
📘 Prelims Practice Question (UPSC CSE Type):
Q. With reference to nanozymes, consider the following statements:
They are synthetic compounds designed to inhibit platelet formation.
They possess enzyme-like catalytic properties.
They can be used in treating thrombosis and other clotting disorders.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: Nanozymes are not specifically designed just to inhibit platelets, but mimic enzyme functions for broader uses.
Statement 2 is correct: Nanozymes show enzyme-like catalytic activity.
Statement 3 is correct: They show promise in managing thrombosis and clotting disorders, as demonstrated by IISc's V₂O₅ nanozyme.
✍️ Mains Practice Question (GS Paper 3):
What are nanozymes? Discuss their advantages over natural enzymes and their potential in addressing critical healthcare challenges like thrombosis.
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