how does magnesium oxide bind to neutralize deuterium in biology

Magnesium oxide (MgO) neutralizes deuterium (D or
H) in biological environments primarily through a hydration-driven chemical reaction that forms magnesium deuteroxide, which binds or precipitates the heavier deuterium ions. MgO acts as a basic, high-surface-area material that can react with deuterium oxide or deutered acids, effectively removing them from free circulation.

Mechanism of Deuterium Neutralization by Magnesium Oxide:
Formation of Magnesium Deuteroxide: MgO, in the presence of deuterium oxide, undergoes a slow hydration process. The oxide ion reacts to form deuteroxide ions, forming MG(OD)2.

Reaction:
MGO D20 MG(OD)2

Binding and Precipitation: The formed MG(OD)2
is insoluble in water. This precipitation serves to immobilize deuterium, effectively "neutralizing" it by turning it into a stable, solid compound that can be removed from biological systems.

Surface Activity: High-surface-area MgO nanoparticles (NPs) interact directly with bacterial surfaces and cell components, attracting and binding deuterium and deuterium-labeled compounds due to the high reactivity of the magnesium oxide surface.

Isotopic Preference: Magnesium ions demonstrate a high affinity for oxygen-containing species and can bind to isotopically heavier water molecules like D20, as deuterium forms stronger coordinate bonds with metal ions compared to protium.

Biological Implications:
Structural Stability: The binding of Mg to DNA and RNA helps maintain the structural integrity of these molecules, mitigating the destabilizing effects of deuterium incorporation into hydrogen bonds.

Antioxidant/Reduced Activity: MgO, when utilized with water, can influence the acid-base chemistry within cellular environments to help counteract the metabolic stress associated with high deuterium levels.