What is wrong with aluminium? The J.D. Birchall Memorial Lecture

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Environmental Chemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Aluminium shares chemical similarities with magnesium, calcium, chromium, and iron.
• Aluminium's high acidity impacts its biological availability and interactions.

Discussion:

• Aluminium's acidity makes it a potent competitor for oxygen-donor ligands, disrupting cellular functions of magnesium and calcium.
• While a weaker acid than ferric ions, aluminium's greater availability presents unique biological challenges.
• Distinguishing between aluminium and iron in biological systems required specialized methods due to their overlapping roles.

Key Insights:

• Aluminium acts as a cellular toxin by interfering with essential divalent cations.
• Evolutionary pressures have shaped biological systems to contend with aluminium's detrimental effects.
• The chemistry of aluminium and calcium is particularly relevant under environmental stress like acid rain.

Outlook:

• Further research into aluminium's biochemical interactions is needed.
• Understanding aluminium's environmental impact, especially concerning calcium, is crucial.
• Developing strategies to mitigate aluminium toxicity in biological systems remains an important goal.