Heavy metal chelation

Heavy metal chelation is not a single molecule or receptor but rather a chemical process by which certain compounds—called chelators or chelating agents—bind tightly to heavy metals through multiple coordinate bonds. This forms stable complexes that facilitate the removal of toxic metals from biological systems. Chelation plays an important role in medicine for treating cases of heavy metal poisoning by using drugs such as EDTA or dimercaprol. In biology and environmental science, natural and synthetic chelators help regulate the bioavailability and mobility of various metals[2][3][4]. While essential for detoxification therapies and some industrial processes, "heavy metal chelation" itself does not refer to a discrete molecular target like an enzyme or receptor but rather describes a mechanism involving many possible molecules with similar functional properties.

Other names

Metal chelationChelation therapyMetal detoxification

Chelating agents bind to heavy metal ions via multiple coordinate bonds, forming stable ring-like complexes ("chelates") that can be excreted from the body[2][4][5]. The process relies on the high affinity of polydentate ligands for metal ions and is used therapeutically to reduce toxic metal burden.