The bio-relevant metals of the periodic table of the elements

Abstract

The bio-relevant metals (and derived compounds) of the Periodic Table of the Elements (PTE) are in the focus. The bulk elements sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) from the s-block, which are essential for all kingdoms of life, and some of their bio-activities are discussed. The trace elements of the d-block of the PTE as far as they are essential for humans (Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo) are emphasized, but V, Ni, Cd, and W, which are essential only for some forms of life, are also considered. Chromium is no longer classified as being essential. From the p-block metals only the metalloid (half-metal) selenium (Se) is essential for all forms of life. Two other metalloids, silicon and arsenic, are briefly mentioned, but they have not been proven as being essential for humans. All metals of the PTE and a plethora of their compounds are used in industry and many of them are highly toxic, like lead (Pb), which is discussed as a prime example. Several metals of the PTE, that is, their ions and complexes, are employed in medicine and we discuss the role of lithium, gallium, strontium, technetium, silver, gadolinium (the only f-block element), platinum, and gold.

Screening of Biocompatible MOFs for the Clearance of Indoxyl Sulfate Using GCMC Simulations

“…Au, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pd, Sb, and V are reported as toxic metals (see Table S4). − Indeed, many MOFs are built from toxic metals such as Ni and Cd, which are not suitable in biological applications, particularly for in vivo use; therefore, only structures without toxic metal elements were chosen for further study . In addition, radioactive metals were also excluded to avoid potential radiation hazards.…”

Immunological Mechanisms of Metal Allergies and the Nickel-Specific TCR-pMHC Interface

“…However, some heavy metals like Co are essential nutrients for humans whereas others, like Ni, are essentials for organisms such as bacteria and plants [14]. Heavy metals can play important roles in biochemical and physiological processes and their deficiency is associated with several diseases [15,16]. The toxic and carcinogenic molecular mechanisms of heavy metals are still not fully elucidated, but appear to be linked to a combination of common and unique features of every metal [12].…”

Medicinal Utility of Some Schiff Bases and their Complexes with First Transition Series Metals: A Review

“…Ag is less toxic comparing with other transition metals. Silver (I) sulfazine is used to cure serious burns and to avert bacterial infection 2 . It has a polymeric structure facilitating slow release of antibacterial Ag + ion.…”

“…They usually exhibit variation in their oxidation states making them suitable for coordination complexes. Although transition metal ions are lesser common in nature, yet they play a critical role in structural and catalytic chemistry 2 . Iron (Fe) is an important metal and having crucial role play in the functioning of the respiratory proteins and other proteins involved in electron transport 3 .…”