From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Metallo-Nanozymes
Why in the News?
Researchers from the CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai has developed a new nanozyme, Cu-Phen, using a catalyst-by-design strategy. A nanozyme is a type of synthetic enzyme made from nanomaterials (extremely tiny particles) that can mimic the function of natural enzymes in biological systems.
About the Metallo-Nanozymes
- Cu-Phen (Copper-Phenylalanine) is a type of metallo-nanozyme developed by Indian researchers.
- It is a synthetic enzyme that mimics the functions of natural enzymes in the body, particularly in controlling the flow of energy at the cellular level.
- It is made by combining copper ions (Cu²⁺) with phenylalanine, an amino acid, using a special design method called “catalyst-by-design”.
- It forms a self-assembled nano-structure with a well-defined active site, which is where the enzyme’s function occurs.
- This structure helps Cu-Phen control the electron transfer process, which is important for many biological functions.
- Unlike traditional nanozymes, which often have poorly defined active sites, Cu-Phen has a precisely structured active site, allowing it to work more efficiently like natural enzymes in the body.
- Cu-Phen interacts with cytochrome c, a protein that plays a key role in the electron transport chain, which is part of how our body generates energy.
- It helps reduce oxygen to water without producing harmful substances called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage cells.
Potential Applications
- Cu-Phen could be used to make energy systems more efficient, like in bioenergy (energy from living things), by mimicking natural energy-making processes.
- It could help treat diseases like neurodegenerative diseases and cancer by controlling energy production in cells and reducing harmful effects on the body.
- These nanozymes can help clean water and make energy systems work better, while reducing pollution and harmful by-products.
- Cu-Phen can also be used in factories to help make useful products like medicines and chemicals by working like artificial enzymes.
- This new nanozyme is a step forward in creating artificial enzymes that could be used in many areas like medicine, energy, and manufacturing.
| [UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements :
1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature. 2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics. 3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? (a) 1 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 (d) 2 and 3 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
