Interaction Structure and Affinity of Zwitterionic Amino Acids with Important Metal Cations (Cd2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Hg2+, Mn2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+) in Aqueous Solution: A Theoretical Study

Heavy metals are non-biodegradable and carcinogenic pollutants with great bio-accumulation potential. Their ubiquitous occurrence in water and soils has caused serious environmental concerns. Effective strategies that can eliminate the heavy metal pollution are urgently needed. Here the adsorption potential of seven heavy metal cations (Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Hg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺) with 20 amino acids was systematically investigated with Density Functional Theory method. The binding energies calculated at B3LYP-D3/def2TZVP level showed that the contribution order of amino acid side chains to the binding affinity was carboxyl > benzene ring > hydroxyl > sulfhydryl > amino group. The affinity order was inversely proportional to the radius and charge transfer of heavy metal cations, approximately following the order of: Ni²⁺ > Fe³⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Hg²⁺ > Zn²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > Mn²⁺. Compared to the gas-phase in other researches, the water environment has a significant influence on structures and binding energies of the heavy metal and amino acid binary complexes. Collectively, the present results will provide a basis for the design of a chelating agent (e.g., adding carboxyl or a benzene ring) to effectively remove heavy metals from the environment.