Nanozyme Developed for Wastewater Treatment and Healthcare Applications

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have unveiled a groundbreaking enzyme mimetic, termed NanoPtA, with multifaceted applications in wastewater treatment and healthcare. Traditional enzymes pose challenges due to their sensitivity, complex production, high costs, and temperature-dependent storage requirements. In response, the IISc team created NanoPtA, a platinum-containing nanozyme that circumvents these limitations.

Nanozymes, synthesized at the nanoscale, emulate natural enzymes but are more practical and cost-effective. NanoPtA, when introduced to industrial wastewater, exhibits remarkable capabilities. It forms tape-like structures through non-covalent interactions between benzene rings and alkyl chains, emitting light upon aggregation. This light emission serves as the source of its oxidizing potential, enabling NanoPtA to swiftly degrade pollutants in wastewater upon exposure to sunlight. Even small concentrations of pollutants like phenols and dyes can be eradicated within ten minutes under sunlight.

What sets NanoPtA apart is its stability, lasting up to 75 days at room temperature. This durability makes it a promising candidate for large-scale industrial applications. Moreover, its potential extends to the realm of healthcare. NanoPtA could serve as a diagnostic tool for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, opening new avenues for medical research and diagnostics.

In summary, the development of NanoPtA represents a significant leap forward in addressing wastewater pollution and advancing healthcare diagnostics, offering an efficient, cost-effective, and versatile solution to longstanding challenges.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindu