Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a novel enzyme mimic called NanoPtA, with significant potential applications in wastewater treatment and healthcare.
- In this study, the IISc team synthesized NanoPtA, a platinum-containing nanozyme that can be converted into a powder for industrial use.
- NanoPtA exhibits the ability to degrade toxic chemicals in industrial wastewater effectively when exposed to sunlight.
- When NanoPtA comes into contact with wastewater, it forms tape-like structures through non-covalent interactions between benzene rings and long alkyl chains in the molecules. These structures emit light, which enables them to oxidize pollutants in the presence of sunlight, reducing wastewater toxicity.
The researchers found that NanoPtA could rapidly degrade common pollutants like phenols and dyes, even at low concentrations, within ten minutes under sunlight.
Beyond wastewater treatment, scientists believe that NanoPtA has potential applications in healthcare. It could serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, showcasing its versatility and significance in multiple fields.
About Nanozymes:
They are nanomaterials that possess enzyme-like properties. Unlike natural enzymes, which are typically proteins, nanozymes are typically made of inorganic materials such as nanoparticles. These nanostructures can catalyze chemical reactions in a manner similar to enzymes
