Nano-functionalization of metal complexes for molecular imaging and anticancer therapy

Carmen R. Maldonado, Luca Salassa, Nina Gomez-blanco, Juan C. Mareque-rivas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Recently, there has been a growing interest in functionalizing metal complexes with biomolecules and nanomaterials for molecular imaging and anticancer therapy applications. In this review, we present the different strategies being used for inducing interaction and attachment of metal complexes to different types of biomolecules and nanomaterials. We explain and justify these new research efforts by considering the limitations of existing metal-based contrast agents and drugs as well as current challenges in therapy, diagnosis and visualization of biological processes at the molecular or cellular level. Representative examples in which nano-functionalisation of metal complexes enabled targeted delivery of small metal-based imaging probes, anti-cancer drugs and radiopharmaceuticals are used to illustrate the wide range of opportunities and challenges of this emerging approach.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2668-2688
JournalCoordination Chemistry Reviews
Volume257
Issue number19-20
Early online date29 Apr 2013
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2013

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Inorganic chemotherapeutics
  • Molecular imaging
  • Platinum drugs
  • Theranostics
  • Drug delivery
  • Drug activation

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