Tue Jun 03 09:13:46 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**IISc Researchers Develop Nanozyme to Combat Dangerous Blood Clots**
**Bengaluru, June 3, 2025** – Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru have engineered a novel artificial nanozyme with the potential to treat life-threatening conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and reduce the risk of thrombosis associated with diseases like COVID-19.
The innovative nanozyme, made from vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), mimics a natural antioxidant enzyme and works by controlling levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), thereby preventing the over-activation of blood platelets that leads to dangerous blood clots.
“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. G. Mugesh, leader of the research team.
Excessive blood clotting (thrombosis) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in conditions like PTE, where clots form in the lungs, blocking blood flow. Current treatments often carry significant risks, highlighting the need for safer and more effective solutions.
In laboratory tests using human platelets and a mouse model of PTE, the IISc-developed nanozyme demonstrated a significant reduction in thrombosis and improved survival rates. Importantly, the researchers observed no toxic effects in the animal model.
“We are hopeful about clinical studies in humans because we have done our experiments with human platelets, and they worked,” added Prof. Mugesh.
The team is now planning to investigate the nanozyme’s effectiveness in preventing ischemic stroke, another condition caused by blood vessel blockages. This breakthrough research offers a promising new avenue for treating and preventing life-threatening blood clotting disorders.
First Piper 