Indian Institute of Science scientists create artificial enzyme to tackle deadly blood clots
Bengaluru: Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (
) have created a novel metal-based nanozyme that could help prevent abnormal blood clotting linked to conditions such as pulmonary thromboembolism — when a blood clot, often originating from a deep vein in the leg, travels through the bloodstream and lodges in the lungs, obstructing blood flow.
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The artificial enzyme imitates natural antioxidant enzymes and works by controlling levels of toxic reactive oxygen species, which can trigger excessive platelet activation and dangerous clot formation.
"Blood clots normally form as a protective response when blood vessels are injured. However, in diseases like Covid-19 or pulmonary thromboembolism, this process can go into overdrive, creating excess clots that block blood vessels and contribute to thrombosis," IISc said Tuesday.
The research team, led by Prof G Mugesh from the department of inorganic and physical chemistry, tested various nanomaterials before identifying "spherical vanadium pentoxide nanozymes" as the most effective. These materials mimic glutathione peroxidase, a natural enzyme that reduces oxidative stress.
"The unique chemistry of the vanadium metal is crucial because the redox reactions that reduce reactive oxygen species levels are happening on the surface of the vanadium nanomaterial," Prof Mugesh explained.
Tests on human blood platelets showed the nanozymes successfully prevented excessive clot formation. When injected into mice with pulmonary thromboembolism, the treatment significantly reduced thrombosis and improved survival rates, with no toxic effects observed over five days.
Unlike conventional anti-clotting drugs, which can cause dangerous bleeding as a side effect, IISc said, the nanozymes don't interfere with normal blood clotting processes.
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"The nanozymes modulate the redox signalling and don't interfere with normal blood clotting. This means they won't cause bleeding complications that are a major concern with current therapies," PhD student Bidare N Sharath Babu, one of the study's authors, said.
The team now plans to investigate whether the nanozyme could prevent ischaemic stroke, another condition caused by blocked blood vessels. Professor Mugesh expressed optimism about the potential human clinical trials, noting that the experiments used human platelets with successful results.
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