Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science have created an artificial material “nanozyme” based on vanadium oxide, capable of preventing the dangerous formation of blood clots without the risk of bleeding. The development is described in the scientific journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition (ACIE). 

In a healthy body, platelets only form clots when blood vessels are damaged. However, in conditions such as pulmonary embolism (TELA) or COVID-19, due to oxidative stress and increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), this process gets out of control, leading to dangerous thrombosis.

The team developed substances that mimic the action of the natural antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Spherical nanozymes made of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) proved to be the most effective, neutralizing ROS and preventing excessive platelet activation.

In an experiment on mice with a model of TELA, nanozyme significantly reduced thrombosis and improved survival. At the same time, no toxic effects or behavioral disorders were recorded in the animals during five days of observation. 

An important advantage of the development was its selectivity.

Scientists plan to study the effectiveness of nanozyme for the prevention of ischemic stroke caused by vascular occlusion.

The development could be a breakthrough in the treatment of thrombotic complications, especially in patients with COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease, where the risk of bleeding limits the use of existing drugs.