Recent advances in biosensory and medicinal therapeutic applications of zinc(II) and copper(II) coordination complexes

Historically, Lewis acidic metal coordination complexes have played a pivotal and defining role in the broad field of molecular recognition and more specifically in the sensing and sequestration of biologically relevant anionic species. More recently, with the expanding interest in chemical biology, there has been a resurgence in the use of coordination complexes, specifically, through their application as medicinal therapeutics and chemo/biosensors. From the disruption of oncogenic protein–protein interactions to the fluorescent sensing of PTP1B phosphatase enzyme activity, the powerful binding potency of coordination complexes has been harnessed to great effect. The ingenuity of the rationally designed coordinating ligands has facilitated the diversity of roles played by Lewis metal complexes. Herein, we will review the recent advances in the application of coordination complexes in medicinal and chemo/biosensory roles over the last decade. In particular, this review will focus on Cu(II) and Zn(II) coordination complexes.

Research highlights▶ Reviews the novel therapeutic roles played by coordination complexes in medicinal chemistry. ▶ Highlights the roles of Zn(II) and Cu(II) coordination complexes in therapeutic roles against biologically relevant peptide/protein targets. ▶ Reviews the recent advances in the application of coordination complexes in chemo/biosensory roles. ▶ Highlights the roles of Zn(II) and Cu(II) coordination complexes as protein and peptide biosensors.