chelationbased

Chelation-based refers to approaches, processes, or therapies that rely on chelation—the binding of metal ions by multidentate ligands to form stable metal complexes. In chemistry, biology, medicine, and industry, chelation-based strategies use these interactions to control solubility, reactivity, transport, or removal of metal ions.

Chemically, chelation involves a chelating agent, or chelator, that binds a metal center at multiple donor sites, creating ring structures (chelate rings) that enhance stability. Common chelators include EDTA, DTPA, and citrate. In biology, endogenous proteins such as transferrin manage metal transport through chelation-like binding. In synthesis and analysis, chelation-based ligands enable selective metal binding and separation, and are widely used in complexometric titrations, catalysis, and purification.

Medical use of chelation-based approaches includes chelation therapy, which uses agents such as EDTA, dimercaprol, penicillamine, deferoxamine, and deferasirox to remove toxic metal ions or to treat iron overload. These treatments require medical supervision due to risks such as kidney injury, electrolyte disturbances, and mineral imbalance. Outside medicine, chelation-based methods are employed in environmental remediation to immobilize or extract heavy metals, in agriculture to improve micronutrient availability, and in analytical chemistry to stabilize and quantify metal ions.

Safety and regulation emphasize that chelation-based applications can carry risks, including mobilization of metals and disturbance of essential minerals. Non-medical chelation is not a universal health remedy, and evidence-based use with professional oversight is recommended. Research continues to refine chelation-based approaches for safety, efficacy, and broader applications.