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Complexing agents from microorganisms

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Summary

The majority of extracellular complexing ligands produced by microorganisms are summarized as being of low molecular mass (<10,000 daltons) and are usually released as part of metal detoxification processes. These exudates appear to exhibit strong metal-binding characteristics, often reducing metal toxicity. Under certain conditions microbes produce metal-specific compounds of low molecular mass called siderophores; although these are normally specific for iron they also have relatively high affinities for radionuclides such as Pu and facilitate their uptake into cells. The occurrence of specific actinide complexing agents has been recorded.

The breakdown of lignins and cellulosic material produces large macromolecular compounds called humates. These contain multiligand sites and display a wide range of complexing abilities. They form both soluble and insoluble complexes with toxic elements with various results. Humates also considerably influence adsorption of metals to substrate surfaces and at high pH may compete with OH-ions for metal binding.

As well as with extracellular ligands, metals can interact directly with microorganisms by accumulation in subcellular compartments or by adsorption on bacterial surfaces.

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Birch, L., Bachofen, R. Complexing agents from microorganisms. Experientia 46, 827–834 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01935533

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