Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Developed NanoPtA

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

About NanoPtA

Nano-sized enzyme mimetics or "nanozymes" manufactured in the lab can mimic such natural enzymes and overcome these practical challenges. 

In the current study, the IISc team synthesised a platinum-containing enzyme 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 nanoenzyme 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.

Uses

• The enzyme can then degrade pollutants present in wastewater by oxidising them in the presence of sunlight, thereby reducing the toxicity of wastewater.
• The nanozyme affects common effluents that pollute water, like phenols and dyes. They found it could degrade even small (micromolar) quantities of phenols and dyes within ten minutes when placed under sunlight. 
• The nanozyme is not only useful for breaking down toxic pollutants but can also have applications in healthcare. 
• This is important because these neurotransmitters are associated with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's disease, and cardiac arrest.
• Measuring these neurotransmitters using such nanozymes can be a useful diagnostic tool for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.

Advantages 

• The researchers found that the NanoPtA complex was quite stable, lasting for up to 75 days at room temperature. 
• Proteins are generally stored at -20°C or 4°C, but in this case, it can be stored at room temperature. 
• The researchers found that the NanoPtA was stable for more than six months at room temperature. 

Problems with natural enzymes

Enzymes are proteins that catalyse a majority of biological reactions in living systems. However, certain inherent limitations greatly hinder the practical use of natural enzymes. 

• Mass-producing these enzymes is an expensive and time-consuming process. For example, laccase, a natural enzyme used for degrading phenols in industries, is extracted from a fungus called white rot. 
• Still, the amount of enzyme produced depends on how much of the fungus is available at a given time. Another problem is storage – most natural enzymes are temperature-sensitive and require storage at cooler temperatures, often as low as -20°C.