Novel methods in trace metal detoxification

Abstract

Two putative methods to deal with the problems caused by toxic trace metals were examined. Firstly, Escherichia coli cells into which had been cloned a gene thought to encode a metal-binding protein were examined. It is hoped that by such methods it may be possible to clone metal resistance into bacteria. Secondly, an approach was made to determine the feasibility of using immobilised plant metal binding peptides for the clearance of toxic metals from waste streams. Using this second approach, previously unavailable information on the metal-binding characteristics of (gammaEC)nG has been obtained. These data have implications for the physiology and biochemistry of (gammaEC)nG, in addition to their possible use in bioreclamation.