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Researchers are unlocking new potentials for artificial enzymes, or nanozymes, by harnessing their catalytic power to transform biomaterials for advanced medicinal and biomedical applications. These developments, led by scientists at the CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) and supported by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST), could pave the way for next-generation therapies and biomaterials with unprecedented efficiency and stability.
Uncharted Territory: Nanozymes and Protein Interplay
While natural enzymes often modify proteins to create functional biomolecules, the interaction between nanozymes and proteins remains largely unexplored. Scientists are now delving into this under-researched area, aiming to overcome current limitations in the selectivity, specificity, and efficiency of artificial enzymes. By addressing these challenges, researchers hope to develop next-generation nanozymes with enhanced biotechnological and therapeutic capabilities.
Breakthrough in Collagen Engineering
Dr. Amit Vernekar and his team, including PhD researchers Mr. Adarsh Fatrekar and Ms. Rasmi Morajkar, have made significant strides in leveraging nanozymes to modify collagen—a key structural protein in biological tissues. Their study, published in Chemical Science, demonstrates how manganese-based oxidase nanozymes (MnN) facilitate the covalent crosslinking of collagen’s tyrosine residues under mild conditions using trace amounts of tannic acid.
This innovative method preserves collagen’s triple-helical structure while conferring a remarkable 100% resistance to collagenase degradation, a long-standing hurdle in creating durable collagen-based biomaterials. Such advancements could revolutionize biomedical materials, enabling their prolonged use in applications like wound healing and tissue engineering.
Designing Enzymes with Precision
In a complementary study, the team engineered a bis-(μ-oxo) di-copper active site within metal-organic framework (MOF-808) structures, mimicking natural enzyme binding pockets. This design offers improved control over substrate interactions, addressing persistent issues in nanozyme selectivity and specificity. However, the study also revealed challenges: larger proteins, such as cytochrome c, struggled to access the active site, highlighting the delicate balance required in enzyme design.
Expanding Horizons for Biomedical Applications
The research pushes the boundaries of nanozyme chemistry, extending their functionality beyond small molecule substrates to complex biological molecules like collagen. This shift opens new avenues for creating biomaterials with intact structural properties, crucial for therapeutic applications. Additionally, it sets the stage for guidelines on designing highly selective and efficient artificial enzymes tailored for specific biomedical needs.
Dual Innovation in Nanozyme Science
The novelty of the team’s work lies in its dual approach: redefining nanozyme-protein interactions and emphasizing the importance of substrate selectivity. Together, these insights contribute to a refined understanding of nanozyme chemistry, laying the groundwork for their application in biotechnological and therapeutic contexts.
Implications for the Future
These findings mark a significant step forward in biomaterial development, offering enhanced stability and durability for medical use. With further advancements, nanozymes could become key tools in creating innovative treatments and materials that transform healthcare and biomedical engineering.
By expanding the repertoire of nanozyme applications, researchers are not only advancing the frontiers of science but also unlocking new possibilities for addressing pressing medical challenges.
