Application of Transition Metal Complexes in Biomedical and Chemical Fields

A special issue of Inorganics (ISSN 2304-6740). This special issue belongs to the section "Organometallic Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 285

Special Issue Editors

Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
Interests: luminescence probe; bioimaging; disease diagnosis; CRISPR/Cas-based biosensing; drug screening
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
Interests: luminescence probes; CRISPR-based biosensors; luminescence sensing platform
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
College of Ecological Environment and Urban Construction, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou 350118, China
Interests: fluorescent probe; photocatalytic materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Transition metal complexes exhibit unique electronic, optical, and catalytic properties that drive innovation across multiple fields. This Special Issue showcases important studies and transformative applications in biomedical and chemical fields, highlighting recent advancements and interdisciplinary synergies. In biomedical fields, these complexes are revolutionizing therapeutics and diagnostics. Platinum-based agents (e.g., cisplatin) remain cornerstone anticancer drugs, while iridium(III) and ruthenium(II) complexes show promise in targeted therapies and bioimaging. Their anticancer and antimicrobial potential and role in photodynamic therapy further underscore their versatility. Concurrently, in chemical sciences, transition metal complexes serve as efficient catalysts for sustainable industrial processes, organic synthesis, and energy conversion. This Special Issue invites original research and reviews addressing synthesis, mechanistic insights, structure–activity relationships, and translational challenges (e.g., toxicity, bioavailability) regarding transition metal complexes in biomedical and chemical fields.

We welcome submissions that explore the evolving role of transition metal complexes in addressing global health and environmental challenges, paving the way for innovative scientific and technological advancements.

Dr. Wanhe Wang
Dr. Jing Wang
Dr. Xiao Yao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • transition metal complexes
  • synthesis
  • mechanistic insights
  • structure-activity
  • electronic
  • optical
  • catalysis
  • biomedical application

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

21 pages, 2996 KB  
Article
Two Mechanism Pathways from a Versatile Arene Ruthenium Assembly: Reaching Aqueous Sensing Reversibility and Selectivity for CN
by Alaa Maatouk, Thibaud Rossel, Gioele Colombo, Stefano Brenna and Bruno Therrien
Inorganics 2025, 13(11), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13110357 - 28 Oct 2025
Abstract
The development of highly selective, sensitive and recyclable chemosensors for CN is critical due to the widespread use of cyanide derivatives in industrial processes and its extreme toxicity to environmental and biological systems. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a [...] Read more.
The development of highly selective, sensitive and recyclable chemosensors for CN is critical due to the widespread use of cyanide derivatives in industrial processes and its extreme toxicity to environmental and biological systems. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a water-soluble arene ruthenium metalla-assembly specifically designed to operate in aqueous solutions and under environmentally relevant conditions. The arene ruthenium assembly incorporates functionalized building blocks that enable a selective multi-site recognition of cyanide according to pH by either nucleophilic addition or hydrogen bond interactions. The system exhibits a distinct colorimetric response upon cyanide binding, resulting in a rapid “turn-on” color change. An excellent selectivity and reversibility for cyanide recognition is observed over multiple cycles, with a detection limit in the low micromolar range, thus laying the ground for the future development of sensing technology with supramolecular metal-based assemblies. Full article
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