New biomass chelating agents for diangostic and therapeutic applications

The metallic complexes used as molecular probes for diagnostic and therapeutic applications are constructed usign chelating agents entirely derived from fossil sources and poorly biodegradable, leading to a growing environmental impact. The collaboration between the research groups of the Department of Drug Sciences and the Department of Sciences and Technological Innovation at UPO has produced a chelating agent (EHDTA) using raw materials derived from waste biomass and highlighted its significant potential in forming complexes with metallic ions of diagnostic and therapeutic interest. 

The study, conducted in collaboration with a diagnostic industry company and with the Universities of Milan and Debrecen, is in the process of being published in a prominent international scientific journal.