Identification of ligands in fungal exudates and their function as metal ligands

Siderophores are well known ligands that increase the biological availability of several elements, including metals but a large variety of ligands with different functions can be produced and released as a response to metal deficiency or exposure. Fungi are of particular interest since they can survive in extreme environments and release ligands that either increase or decrease the metal mobility. In this study we focus on the chemical characterisation and function of ligands released by fungi in metal rich environment at both high and low pH. The results show that they range from simple carboxylic acids to proteins and that the production depends on the species of fungi as well as the speciation of the metals.