Latest news with #IISc.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
IISc researchers develop novel nanozyme which prevents excess clotting
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) have developed an artificial metal-based nanozyme that can potentially be used to clamp down on abnormal blood clotting caused by conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). According to IISc., under normal circumstances, when a blood vessel is injured, specialised blood cells called platelets get activated, and cluster together around the vessel to form protective blood clots. This process, known as the blood clotting cascade (haemostasis), involves a complex series of protein interactions triggered by signals from physiological agonists (chemicals), such as collagen and thrombin. However, when these signals go haywire in conditions like PTE or diseases like COVID-19, oxidative stress and levels of toxic Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) increase, leading to over-activation of platelets. This triggers the formation of excess clots in the blood vessel, contributing to thrombosis, a major cause of morbidity and mortality. To tackle this challenge, researchers led by G. Mugesh, professor in the Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, have developed nanomaterials that mimic the activity of natural antioxidant enzymes, which scavenge reactive oxidative molecules. These nanozymes work by controlling ROS levels, thereby preventing the over-activation of platelets that leads to excess clot formation or thrombosis. The team synthesised redox active nanomaterials of different sizes, shapes, and morphologies via a series of controlled chemical reactions starting from small building blocks. They then isolated platelets from human blood, activated them using physiological agonists, and tested how effectively the different nanozymes could prevent excess platelet aggregation. The team found that spherical-shaped vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanozymes were the most efficient. These materials mimic a natural antioxidant enzyme called glutathione peroxidase to reduce oxidative stress. '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 Prof. Mugesh. The team injected the nanozyme in a mouse model of PTE. They found that it significantly reduced thrombosis and increased the animals' survival rates. They also observed the weight, behaviour, and blood parameters of the animal for up to five days after injecting the nanozyme, and did not find any toxic effects. The team now plans to explore the efficacy of the nanozyme in preventing ischemic stroke, which is also caused by clogging of blood vessels. 'We are hopeful about clinical studies in humans because we have done our experiments with human platelets, and they worked,' said Prof. Mugesh.
The Hindu
29-04-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
4 Bengaluru-based institutions among winners of CAMP AMR Challenge 2024-25
Four Bengaluru-based institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), are among the winners of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) Anti-microbial Resistance (AMR) Challenge 2024-25. C-CAMP said that the national AMR Challenge was launched in August 2024. They received about 200 applications from innovators and start-ups across India for funding and ecosystem support to enable scale up, production, adoption and societal integration of winning solutions to tackle AMR in the environment. The nine winners Of them, nine were declared winners of the C-CAMP AMR Challenge 2024-25. The winners are: Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for tackling AMR emergence through effluent treatment using robust catalytic enzyme mimetics. The MONZymes based technology, as developed by Dr. Subinoy Rana and his team, is capable of effectively degrading residual antibiotics from effluent wastewater and also exhibit antibacterial activity, through advanced (photo)catalytic activity. Foundation for Neglected Diseases Research (FNDR) for developing a device to deplete antimicrobial residues from wastewater, using a cartridge-based device with a patented mixture of activated charcoal and plant-based materials. Biomoneta Research Private Limited: qAMI (Quantitative Airborne Microbial Index) for coming up with a singular technology combining detection of air-borne total microbial load and pathogenic microbes in hospital set-ups, using AI/ML platform and encompassing different microbial attributes, combined with the classic microbiological approach. D-NOME Private Limited for its D-NOME's pocket PCR device, which can help in rapid and accurate on-field detection and identification of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (ARB) & Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) in aquaculture farms and other wastewater sources. Vividew Innovations Private Limited for its novel innovation to remove residual antibiotics & antibiotic-resistant bacteria from wastewater in hospital sewage treatment plants (STPs). Diagopreutic Private Limited for its detection of residual antibiotic and pathogen identification in water samples from aquaculture farm effluents, using a colorimetric method, based on the differential nitro-reductase activity of the bacteria and their ability to grow in presence of the specific antibiotic. Mylab Discovery Solutions Private Limited for its rapid detection of pathogens from wastewater samples, and detection of environment-related ARGs. The technology involves an in-house developed nucleic acid extraction kit and an advance multiplexed quantitative RT-PCR technology, capable of identifying a diverse array of pathogens as well as an extensive spectrum of ARGs. Huwel Life Sciences Private Limited: Quantiplus® Environmental Surveillance Kit for Real-Time PCR detection for typhoid and ARGs in environmental samples. The RT-PCR kit detects a wide spectrum of ARGs, as well as the typhoid specific gene along with its resistance genes. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeeth for the development of affordable POT (Point of Testing) device for monitoring of AMR in the environment, by an impedance-based microfluidic device, using a lytic phage-based detection technology. The innovation, as proposed by Dr. Bipin Nair and his team, is capable of detecting and identifying various pathogens of clinical relevance and can be used for rapid and accurate detection of specific bacteria. Nature of support The winners will be supported by C-CAMP in India in collaboration with the UK Department of Health and Social Care's Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF) to foster the identification and development of world-class AMR-focused innovative solutions to tackle various aspects of AMR in the environment in India, and for the benefit of low and middle-income countries (LMICs). 'Antimicrobial resistance in the environment is a serious issue because of unchecked effluents from agriculture and industry reaching our water bodies, air and land. The problem has assumed alarming proportions across the entire world. I am heartened to see that innovators and scientists in India are developing cutting-edge innovations that hold promise not only in India and LMICs, but for the world,' said Prof. Ajay K. Sood, principal Scientific Adviser to the Govt. of India.
