Accumulation of toxic metal ions on cell walls ofDatura innoxia suspension cell cultures

Summary Rapidly dividing cell suspension cultures derived fromDatura innoxia (Mill.) selectively remove certain toxic metal ions from nutrient and waste solutions. Many ions, including necessary micronutrients, bind tightly to different components of the primary cell wall. Cell viability is not required for metal chelation to the extracellular matrix, and biopolymers purified from these cultures can be used to selectively remove metal ions from waste streams. Binding of normally toxic metals to the primary cell wall significantly reduces their toxicity. Chemical and metal luminescence methods that generate information about metal binding and cell-wall components responsible for this are presented. The feasibility of using plant cells and their components for bioremediation is discussed. Presented in the Session-in-Depth Bioremediation through Biotechnological Means at the Congress on Cell and Tissue Culture, San Diego, CA, June 5–9, 1993.