Advancing Nanozymes in Biotechnology

Nanozymes are synthetic enzymes designed to replicate the functions of natural enzymes. While they are known for interacting with small molecules, their potential to work with larger proteins, such as structural proteins like collagen, is still being explored. Recent research focuses on enhancing their precision and efficiency for medical applications.

Insights into Nanozymes

Nanozymes mimic natural enzymes’ functions, yet their interactions with large proteins remain less understood. This gap has inspired researchers to investigate their behavior with structural proteins, aiming to unlock new possibilities in biomaterial development.

Breakthroughs at CSIR-CLRI

At the CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI), a research team led by Dr. Amit Vernekar studied nanozymes’ interaction with collagen. They employed a manganese-based oxidase nanozyme (MnN) to demonstrate its ability to effectively crosslink collagen molecules.

The Crosslinking Process

Crosslinking involves connecting collagen molecules to enhance their properties. Using tannic acid under mild conditions, the team preserved collagen’s natural structure while improving its stability. This process made collagen more resistant to enzymatic degradation by collagenase.

Innovative Enzyme Design

In another approach, researchers embedded an active site within MOF-808, a material mimicking natural enzyme binding pockets. This design improved control over chemical reactions, though challenges persisted with larger proteins like cytochrome c.

Reactivity Challenges

Balancing desired and unwanted reactivity is a critical aspect of artificial enzyme design. Achieving selectivity and efficiency in interactions ensures nanozymes can be tailored for specific medical applications.

Future Applications

The research expands nanozymes’ potential beyond small molecules, paving the way for creating biomaterials with intact structural properties. These advancements are pivotal for therapeutic applications and enhancing the durability of medical materials.

Significance of the Findings

The studies highlight nanozymes’ capability to interact with structural proteins, emphasizing the importance of meticulous design in artificial enzyme development. These findings hold promise for advancing biotechnology and medicine.