Highly charged biomolecules

Although thorium is nonessential for living organisms, the highly charged ions form complexes with a multitude of biomolecules such as proteins, glycosaminogly-cans and multivalent organic acids (citrate, malate, etc.). 

Johansson, B.I., Belew, M., Eriksson, S., Glad, G., Lind, O., Maloisel, J.L., and Norrmarm, N. (2003a) Preparation and characterisation of prototypes for multimodal separation aimed for capture of negatively charged biomolecules at high salt concentrations. J. Chromatogr. A, 1016, 21-33. 

Lithium is used as a mood stabilizing drug. The Li ion interacts with many nerve centers throughout the body and within the brain. Li has a high-charge density and gives up its electrons readily so it can interact with a variety of biomolecules. Scientists aren t certain how lithium functions to stabilize mood, but it s been used since the 19th century nonetheless. 

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