Patent ID: 6524482
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: B01D,B01J

Abstract:
A method for studying the effects of one or more metal ion species on one or more biological functions, comprising:(a) contacting a biological solution containing one or more metal ion species and wherein one or more biological functions may occur with a composition represented by the formula: Sâ€”Bâ€”L â€ƒwherein S is a substrate, L is any ion-binding ligand having an affinity for said one or more metal ion species and a functional group for attachment to S, and B is a covalent linkage mechanism which attaches S to L, such that a complex between said one or more metal ion species and L is formed; (b) removing said biological solution from contact with said composition to which said one or more metal ion species has been complexed whereby the concentration of said one or more metal ion species has been reduced in said biological solution; and (c) testing for the occurrence of the biological function in said biological solution relative to the occurrence of the biological function in a control biological solution not contacted with the composition of (a), whereby the effects of the one or more metal ion species on the one or more biological functions becomes known.