Siderophore

Siderophores (Greek: "iron carrier") are small, high-affinity iron-chelating compounds that are secreted by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. They help the organism accumulate iron. Although a widening range of siderophore functions is being appreciated, siderophores are among the strongest known (highest affinity) Fe binding agents. Phytosiderophores are siderophores produced by plants.