Nanozymes Latest News
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) recently 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).
What are Enzymes?
- Enzymes are proteins that help speed up metabolism, or the chemical reactions in our bodies.Â
- They build some substances and break others down.
- All living things have enzymes.
- Our bodies naturally produce enzymes. But enzymes are also in manufactured products and food.
About Nanozymes
- Nanozymes are nanomaterials that display enzyme-like characteristics.Â
- They may be metallic, metal oxide-based, carbon-based, or of other types.
Nanozymes Advantages
- They are less expensive and recyclable.Â
- Nanozymes can also be easily manufactured and stored for long periods of time, further reducing their cost.
- Typical inorganic enzymes require high temperature, high pressure, and extreme pH conditions. In contrast, nanozymes are able to work in environments closer to physiological conditions and respond to a range of external stimuli.
- The most important advantage is the display of size/composition-dependent activity, meaning that nanozymes can be designed with a range of catalytic activity by simply varying shape, structure, and composition.
- Nanozymes also have unique properties compared to other artificial enzymes, including integrated multi-functions not related to catalysis.Â
- Nanoscale materials provide large surface areas, allowing greater ease in further modifications and bioconjugation.Â
- The ability to self-assemble also mimics an important strategy in biology, meaning that biological components can be easily incorporated.
Nanozymes Applications
- Nanozymes have a large range of applications for diagnostic medicine, targeted therapy, and biosensing.
- In recent years, it has been found that various nanozymes have antioxidant activity, allowing them to simulate the endogenous antioxidant system and play an important role in cell protection.
- Therefore, nanozymes can be applied in the treatment of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related neurological diseases.Â
Nanozymes FAQs
Q1:Â What are nano enzymes?
Ans:Â Nanozymes are nanomaterials that display enzyme-like characteristics.Â
Q2:Â What makes nanozymes cost-effective?
Ans:Â They are recyclable and easy to manufacture.
Q3:Â Why do nanozymes offer better control over enzyme activity compared to natural enzymes?
Ans:Â Their activity can be tuned by modifying size, shape, and composition.
Source:Â TH