Heavy Metal Chelation: Applications in Industry and Medicine (Chemistry of Life Processes Institute)

Justin Wilson, PhD

Cornell University

Abstract:  Heavy metal ions are typically considered to be detrimental to human health and are therefore considered to be a nuisance in both industrial and medicinal settings. The proper control of these ions via chelation, however, can engender them with beneficial applications in both regards. In this talk, I will discuss our group’s efforts to design chelators for heavy metal ions spanning the s-, d-, and f-block. We will show how unusual thermodynamic binding affinities can be obtained via ligand design efforts. Furthermore, direct applications of our chelators for addressing “real life” problems in both industry and medicine will be given.

Bio Link: https://chemistry.cornell.edu/justin-j-wilson