Nanozymes

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. 
• 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. 
• They may be metallic, metal oxide-based, carbon-based, or of other types.

Nanozymes Advantages

• They are less expensive and recyclable. 
• 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. 
• Nanoscale materials provide large surface areas, allowing greater ease in further modifications and bioconjugation. 
• 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. 

Nanozymes FAQs

Q1: What are nano enzymes?

Ans: Nanozymes are nanomaterials that display enzyme-like characteristics. 

Q2: What makes nanozymes cost-effective?

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Ans: They are recyclable and easy to manufacture.

Q3: Why do nanozymes offer better control over enzyme activity compared to natural enzymes?

Ans: Their activity can be tuned by modifying size, shape, and composition.

Source: TH