Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a groundbreaking metal-based nanozyme that may help prevent abnormal blood clotting linked to life-threatening conditions such as pulmonary thromboembolism. This condition occurs when a blood clot, typically originating in the leg, travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow.
Mimicking Nature to Regulate Blood Clotting
Led by Professor G. Mugesh from the Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, the IISc team created a nanozyme that imitates the function of natural antioxidant enzymes. These enzymes regulate levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS)—toxic molecules that can excessively activate blood platelets and trigger abnormal clot formation.
“Blood clots normally serve as a defence mechanism to stop bleeding after injury. However, in diseases like Covid-19 or pulmonary thromboembolism, the clotting mechanism can become hyperactive, leading to dangerous blockages in the blood vessels,” explained the team in a press statement.
The Power of Vanadium-Based Nanozymes
After evaluating various nanomaterials, the team identified spherical vanadium pentoxide nanozymes as the most effective. These nanozymes closely mimic glutathione peroxidase. It is a natural enzyme responsible for reducing oxidative stress in the body.
Professor Mugesh highlighted the critical role of vanadium’s chemistry: “The redox reactions that detoxify reactive oxygen species occur directly on the vanadium nanoparticle’s surface, which makes it highly efficient.”
Successful Trials on Human Platelets and Mice
As reported by TOI, the researchers tested the nanozyme on human blood platelets, where it successfully prevented excessive clot formation. They then conducted animal trials by injecting the nanozyme into mice with pulmonary thromboembolism. The results were promising—thrombosis was significantly reduced, survival rates improved, and no toxic side effects were noted over five days.
No Risk of Bleeding: A Major Advantage
Unlike traditional anti-clotting medications, which often carry the risk of internal bleeding, this nanozyme doesn’t interfere with the body’s normal clotting function. “The nanozymes regulate redox signalling without disrupting regular clotting processes. This minimizes the bleeding risks that typically come with current therapies,” said PhD student Bidare N. Sharath Babu, one of the study’s lead authors.
Future Plans: Targeting Stroke Prevention
Encouraged by the success of their initial trials, the IISc team now plans to explore the nanozyme’s potential in preventing ischaemic strokes. These strokes are also caused by blocked blood vessels. Professor Mugesh expressed hope that the nanozyme could move to human clinical trials. It has already shown strong efficacy on human cells and demonstrated a safe profile in animal testing.
This pioneering work marks a major advance in safer, targeted treatment for clot-related disorders. It has the potential to revolutionize how thrombosis is managed in both acute and chronic conditions.