Role of metal complexation on the solubility and enzymatic hydrolysis of phytate

PLoS One. 2021 Aug 13;16(8):e0255787. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255787. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Phytate is a dominant form of organic phosphorus (P) in the environment. Complexation and precipitation with polyvalent metal ions can stabilize phytate, thereby significantly hinder the hydrolysis by enzymes. Here, we studied the stability and hydrolyzability of environmentally relevant metal phytate complexes (Na, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Al, Fe, Al/Fe, Mn, and Cd) under different pHs, presence of metal chelators, and thermal conditions. Our results show that the order of solubility of metal phytate complexes is as follows: i) for metal species: Na, Ca, Mg > Cu, Zn, Mn, Cd > Al, Fe, ii) under different pHs: pH 5.0 > pH 7.5), and iii) in the presence of chelators: EDTA> citric acid. Phytate-metal complexes are mostly resistant towards acid hydrolysis (except Al-phytate), and dry complexes are generally stable at high pressure and temperature under autoclave conditions (except Ca phytate). Inhibition of metal complex towards enzymatic hydrolysis by Aspergillus niger phytase was variable but found to be highest in Fe phytate complex. Strong chelating agents such as EDTA are insufficient for releasing metals from the complexes unless the reduction of metals (such as Fe) occurs first. The insights gained from this research are expected to contribute to the current understanding of the fate of phytate in the presence of various metals that are commonly present in agricultural soils.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum / chemistry
  • Cadmium / chemistry
  • Coordination Complexes / chemistry*
  • Copper / chemistry
  • Ions / chemistry
  • Iron / chemistry
  • Magnesium / chemistry
  • Manganese / chemistry
  • Metals / chemistry*
  • Phosphorus / chemistry
  • Phytic Acid / chemistry*
  • Potassium / chemistry
  • Sodium / chemistry
  • Zinc / chemistry

Substances

  • Coordination Complexes
  • Ions
  • Metals
  • Cadmium
  • Phosphorus
  • Manganese
  • Copper
  • Phytic Acid
  • Sodium
  • Aluminum
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Zinc
  • Potassium

Grants and funding

This research was supported by grants from National Science Foundation (nsf.gov) (1709724 and 1654642) to DPJ. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.