Metallophenolomics: A Novel Integrated Approach to Study Complexation of Plant Phenolics with Metal/Metalloid Ions

Abstract

Plant adaptive strategies have been shaped during evolutionary development in the constant interaction with a plethora of environmental factors, including the presence of metals/metalloids in the environment. Among adaptive reactions against either the excess of trace elements or toxic doses of non-essential elements, their complexation with molecular endogenous ligands, including phenolics, has received increasing attention. Currently, the complexation of phenolics with metal(loid)s is a topic of intensive studies in different scientific fields. In spite of the numerous studies on their chelating capacity, the systemic analysis of phenolics as plant ligands has not been performed yet. Such a systematizing can be performed based on the modern approach of metallomics as an integral biometal science, which in turn has been differentiated into subgroups according to the nature of the bioligands. In this regard, the present review summarizes phenolics–metal(loid)s’ interactions using the metallomic approach. Experimental results on the chelating activity of representative compounds from different phenolic subgroups in vitro and in vivo are systematized. General properties of phenolic ligands and specific properties of anthocyanins are revealed. The novel concept of metallophenolomics is proposed, as a ligand-oriented subgroup of metallomics, which is an integrated approach to study phenolics–metal(loid)s’ complexations. The research subjects of metallophenolomics are outlined according to the methodology of metallomic studies, including mission-oriented biometal sciences (environmental sciences, food sciences and nutrition, medicine, cosmetology, coloration technologies, chemical sciences, material sciences, solar cell sciences). Metallophenolomics opens new prospects to unite multidisciplinary investigations of phenolic–metal(loid) interactions.

Exploring Caffeic Acid and Lignosulfonate as Key Phenolic Ligands for Metal-Phenolic Network Assembly

“…The failed formation of MPNs can be explained by the lack of vicinal hydroxyl groups in the structure of the monolignols. CaAc and TA possess vicinal hydroxyl groups, while lignosulfonate has a multitude of other functional groups, which may bind to metals …”

“…CaAc and TA possess vicinal hydroxyl groups, while lignosulfonate has a multitude of other functional groups, which may bind to metals. 40 …”

Tolerance to Zn toxicity in the halophyte Lepidium latifolium L. and the effect of salt on Zn tolerance and accumulation

“…In addition to their antioxidant and protective function, a metal chelating capacity of phenolics as a mechanism for the internal detoxification of heavy metals has been documented (Michalak, 2006). The capacity of particular phenolics such as cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, and naringenin for Zn chelation has been demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro (Fedenko et al, 2022).…”

Biosynthesis of a Functional Silica-Based Biohybrid Material with High Pb(II) Capture Ability

“…Tannic acid, one of the most promising biosorbent materials, has attracted increasing interest owing to its high adsorption capacity, low cost, and environmental friendliness. Tannic acid is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound found in various plant species that has strong metal binding abilities and is capable of forming complexes with more than 21 different metal ions owing to the presence of a large number of hydroxyl groups in its structure. , However, the practical application of tannic acid is limited by its solubility in water and its tendency to degrade over time. , Therefore, further research into its potential use and possible modifications to improve the stability and efficiency of tannic acid as a promising biosorbent material is critical.…”