Word: hemocyanin
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Dates: during 1960-1969
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From octopus blood he extracted hemocyanin, a protein that picks up copper because its molecule has a structure that a copper ion fits into neatly, like a key into a lock. But proteins are hard to handle and almost impossible to synthesize, so Bayer looked for simpler compounds that would do the same job. After many tries, he put together a black granular material that picks up copper and uranium only. When this "chelating agent" worked well in the laboratory with simulated sea water, Bayer took it to Naples, put it in a glass column and ran 100 liters...
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