Recent Advances in Gold(I) Complexes Based Biological Applications

Abstract

The development of the synthesis of a wide range of Au(I) complexes reversibly promotes the advance in their practical usages, particularly, in biological applications. The formation of gold-sulfur rich protein adducts contributes to the cytotoxic nature of the gold compounds for chemotherapeutic approaches, while Au-Au interactions endow them with spectroscopic and luminescence properties. This article reviews that the recent five year progress for Au(I) complexes based biological applications, including the investigation of the development of new anticancer agents and antibacterial compounds, the application of biological imaging and the fabrication of novel sensors.