Advances in Separation and Purification Strategies for Siderophores

Abstract

Siderophores, organic chelators with very high specific affinity for Fe3+, are secreted by many bacteria to scavenge this essential micronutrient and hinder concurrent bacterial development. Siderophores are classified according to their chelating group: ranging from classical catecholates, hydroxamates, and α-hydroxycarboxylates to mixed and atypical structures such as phenol-thiazoline systems. The natural concentrations of siderophores are often either too low or the sample matrices are too complex for direct separation, e.g. liquid chromatography–spectrometry. In this review, we analyzed how key physicochemical parameters (pH sensitivity, pKa, metal affinity, redox potential, etc) shape the efficiency of techniques such as ion exchange, metal affinity and oxide adsorption. These techniques are compared highlighting practical aspects such as scalability, cost, and equipment requirements. Preventive guidelines to minimize structural degradation and ensure reproducibility are provided. By integrating thermodynamic insights with practical considerations, a comprehensive guide to select and to optimize purification strategies for these essential biomolecules is provided. It will allow researchers to save time and resources while achieving optimal results.