Phosphonates, their complexes and bio-applications: A spectrum of surprising diversity

This review provides a summary of the coordination chemistry of mono-, bis- and polyphosphonates, as well as of their functionalized analogues. Specific interactions with various metal ions will be discussed in the context of their biological, biomedical and nanotechnological applications. Several complexes will be shown to reveal a spectacular spectrum of possibilities, which the phosphonate moiety gives to coordination chemistry.We would like to show a link between coordination properties and unique functionality of particular phosphonate complexes which were developed and successfully applied in different branches of biological science.