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Novel Metal Complexes for Biomedical Applications

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2025 | Viewed by 2572

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
School of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Okopowa 59, 01-043 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: coordination chemistry; polyphenols; coordination compounds; metalloproteins; oxidative stress; iron; free radicals; spectroscopy; biochemistry; bioinorganic chemistry; DNA interactions; antioxidants; antioxidant assays; inorganic biochemistry; inorganic chemistry; coordination chemistry and metal complexes; lanthanide; synthesis; electronic structure; inorganic synthesis; organometallics; circular dichroism; electron spin resonance spectroscopy; flavonoids; apoptosis; organic synthesis; nitric oxide; structural biology; phenolic compounds; thiols; genotoxicity
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are excited to announce a Call for Papers for an IJMS special issue focusing on the exploration of “Novel Metal Complexes for Biomedical Applications”. This special issue aims to bring together the latest advancements in the synthesis, characterization, and applications of metal complexes with significant relevance to biomedical research. We invite researchers to contribute original research articles, reviews, case studies, and perspectives that cover, but are not limited to, the following thematic areas:

I. Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Metal Complexes
   A. Innovative methods and approaches in the synthesis of metal complexes for biomedical applications.
   B. Advanced characterization techniques, including spectroscopy and computational methods.

II. Functionalization and Targeting Strategies
     A. Techniques for enhanced functionality.
     B. Strategies for targeted drug delivery systems and specific cellular uptake.

III. Biocompatibility, Toxicology, and Safety Profiles
      A. Assessment and enhancement of biocompatibility.
      B. Toxicological studies and safety assessments of novel metal complexes.

IV. Therapeutic Applications
     A. Anticancer properties and applications as chemotherapeutic agents.
     B. Antimicrobial applications for combating bacterial and fungal infections.
     C. Exploration of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
     D. Application in Antimicrobial Agents for Food Safety and Preservation.

V. Imaging and Diagnostic Applications
     A. Utilization of metal complexes as imaging agents for various modalities.
     B. Diagnostic applications in disease detection and monitoring.
     C. Application in Imaging for Food Quality Assessment and Safety Monitoring.

VI. Challenges and Future Perspectives
     A. Identification and discussion of current challenges in the field.
     B. Emerging trends and future directions in the development of novel metal complexes.

Both original research articles and comprehensive review papers that contribute to the understanding and advancement of novel metal complexes for biomedical applications are highly encouraged. We welcome submissions that explore diverse aspects of the field, and authors are invited to propose additional topics within the overarching theme based on their expertise.

We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions and making this special issue a platform for cutting-edge research in the intersection of metal complexes and biomedical sciences.

Dr. Hanna Lewandowska
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • metal complexes
  • therapeutic applications
  • anticancer agents
  • chemotherapeutic agents
  • antimicrobial applications
  • bacterial infections
  • fungal infections
  • anti-inflammatory effects
  • antioxidant effects
  • imaging agents
  • diagnostic applications
  • disease detection
  • disease monitoring
  • antimicrobial therapeutics
  • food safety

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 6705 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Gallium(III) Complexes with Thiouracil Derivatives: Effects of pH on Coordination and Stability
by Monika Skrobanska, Michał Zabiszak, Anita M. Grześkiewicz, Malgorzata T. Kaczmarek and Renata Jastrzab
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 12869; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312869 - 29 Nov 2024
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Abstract
This study explores the formation and properties of new complexes involving gallium(III) and thiouracil derivatives—2-thiouracil (TU), 6-methyl-2-thiouracil (MTU), 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU), 5-carboxy-2-thiouracil (CTU), and 6-methoxymethyl-2-thiouracil (MMTU). Conducted in aqueous solutions at relatively low concentrations, this research enabled the formation of soluble complexes, identified and [...] Read more.
This study explores the formation and properties of new complexes involving gallium(III) and thiouracil derivatives—2-thiouracil (TU), 6-methyl-2-thiouracil (MTU), 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU), 5-carboxy-2-thiouracil (CTU), and 6-methoxymethyl-2-thiouracil (MMTU). Conducted in aqueous solutions at relatively low concentrations, this research enabled the formation of soluble complexes, identified and described here for the first time. The influence of metal-to-ligand ratios on species distribution and their fluorescence properties was examined through potentiometric titration, alongside visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. Stability constants were determined, revealing that coordination mode and complex stability are pH-dependent, and nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen atoms are involved in higher pH coordination. Additionally, the structure of the ligand 6-methoxymethyl-2-thiouracil was characterized. The findings suggest that these complexes hold potential for future biomedical applications, particularly as antibacterial and anticancer agents, warranting further studies under physiological conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Metal Complexes for Biomedical Applications)
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18 pages, 2650 KiB  
Article
Novel Copper (II) Complexes with Fluorine-Containing Reduced Schiff Base Ligands Showing Marked Cytotoxicity in the HepG2 Cancer Cell Line
by Bianka Oboňová, Jindra Valentová, Miroslava Litecká, Ľudmila Pašková, Jana Hricovíniová, Andrea Bilková, František Bilka, Branislav Horváth and Ladislav Habala
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9166; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179166 - 23 Aug 2024
Viewed by 995
Abstract
Several novel copper (II) complexes of reduced Schiff bases containing fluoride substituents were prepared and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complexes exhibited diverse structures, with the central atom in distorted tetrahedral geometry. The biological effects of the products were evaluated, specifically [...] Read more.
Several novel copper (II) complexes of reduced Schiff bases containing fluoride substituents were prepared and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complexes exhibited diverse structures, with the central atom in distorted tetrahedral geometry. The biological effects of the products were evaluated, specifically their cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, and antiurease activities, as well as affinity for albumin (BSA) and DNA (ct-DNA). The complexes showed marked cytotoxic activities in the HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, considerably higher than the standard cisplatin. The cytotoxicity depended significantly on the substitution pattern. The best activity was observed in the complex with a trifluoromethyl group in position 4 of the benzene ring—the dichloro[(±)-trans-N,N′-bis-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine]copper (II) complex, whose activity (IC50 28.7 μM) was higher than that of the free ligand and markedly better than the activity of the standard cisplatin (IC50 336.8 μM). The same complex also showed the highest antimicrobial effect in vitro. The affinity of the complexes towards bovine serum albumin (BSA) and calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) was established as well, indicating only marginal differences between the complexes. In addition, all complexes were shown to be excellent inhibitors of the enzyme urease, with the IC50 values in the lower micromolar region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Metal Complexes for Biomedical Applications)
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Review

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20 pages, 1932 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Correlation Between the Molecular Structure and Biological Activities of Metal–Phenolic Compound Complexes: Research and Description of the Role of Metal Ions in Improving the Antioxidant Activities of Phenolic Compounds
by Zhe Chen, Renata Świsłocka, Renata Choińska, Krystian Marszałek, Aleksandra Dąbrowska, Włodzimierz Lewandowski and Hanna Lewandowska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11775; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111775 - 1 Nov 2024
Viewed by 831
Abstract
We discussed and summarized the latest data from the global literature on the action of polyphenolic antioxidants and their metal complexes. The review also includes a summary of the outcomes of theoretical computations and our many years of experimental experience. We employed various [...] Read more.
We discussed and summarized the latest data from the global literature on the action of polyphenolic antioxidants and their metal complexes. The review also includes a summary of the outcomes of theoretical computations and our many years of experimental experience. We employed various methods, including spectroscopy (FT-IR, FT-Raman, NMR, UV/Vis), X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, quantum calculations, and biological assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity tests). According to our research, the number and position of hydroxyl groups in aromatic rings, as well as the delocalization of electron charge and conjugated double bonds, have a major impact on the antioxidant effectiveness of the studied compounds. Another important factor is metal complexation, whereby high ionic potential metals (e.g., Fe(III), Cr(III), Cu(II)) enhance antioxidant properties by stabilizing electron charge, while the low ionic potential metals (e.g., Ag(I), Hg(II), Pb(II)) reduce efficacy by disrupting electron distribution. However, we observed no simple correlation between ionic potential and antioxidant capacity. This paper gives insights that will aid in identifying new, effective antioxidants, which are vital for nutrition and the prevention of neurodegenerative illnesses. Our results outline the connections between biological activity and molecular structure, offering a foundation for the methodical design of antioxidants. Our review also shows in detail how we use various complementary methods to assess the impact of metals on the electronic systems of ligands. This approach moves beyond the traditional “trial and error” method, allowing for the more efficient and rational development of future antioxidants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Metal Complexes for Biomedical Applications)
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