A demonstration model for a selective and recyclable uptake of metals from water: Fe(III) ions complexation and release by a supported natural fluorescent chelator.

We describe here the preliminary stage of development of a process aiming at the selective uptake and release of metal ions from water. The process envisioned involves the encapsulation of highly selective natural chelates secreted by bacteria or other living species in mesoporous solids that could be used as usual resins. To demonstrate the feasibility of the concept, we use a model system involving pyoverdin, a natural Fe(III) ions chelator from a Pseudomonas fluorescens strain, encapsulated in a mesoporous templated silica. For this model study, the native fluorescence of the chelator allows a simpler follow-up and quantification of the uptake and release processes.