NanoPtA

Why in news?

• Scientists at the Materials Research Centre (MRC), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), have developed a new type of enzyme mimetic, NanoPtA, that can degrade toxic chemicals in industrial wastewater effectively in the presence of sunlight.

About NanoPtA

• The IISc team synthesised a platinum-containing nanozyme called NanoPtA, which can be converted into powder form for industrial use.
• It mimics the function of oxidases – natural enzymes that remove hydrogen from substrates in the presence of oxygen to give water.
• This nanozyme is not only highly specific in breaking down certain substrates but is also robust because it can withstand a range of pH and temperature changes.
• It could degrade even small (micromolar) quantities of phenols and dyes within ten minutes when placed under sunlight.
• The team believes that the nanozyme is not only useful for breaking down toxic pollutants but can also have applications in healthcare. Measuring the neurotransmitters using such nanozymes can potentially be a useful diagnostic tool for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.

About Nanozymes

• Enzymes are proteins that catalyse a majority of biological reactions in living systems. However, the practical use of natural enzymes is greatly hindered by certain inherent limitations. These limitations include sensitivity to denaturation (breakdown/damage), complex production procedures, high costs, and difficulties in recycling. Mass producing these enzymes is an expensive and time-consuming process.
• Nano-sized enzyme mimetics or “nanozymes” manufactured in the lab can mimic such natural enzymes and overcome these practical challenges.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding NanoPtA:

1. It is a nanozyme synthesised by Indian Institute of Science.
2. It can be used to treat industrial wastewater.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer