Metal-containing molecules and nanomaterials : from diagnosis to therapy

Since the discovery and successful deployment of salvarsan to treat syphilis, as well as cisplatin as a cancer drug, the field of metallodrugs has been flourishing. In addition to therapeutic applications, metals and metal-containing molecules have properties, such as an electrochemical or an optical signal, used to diagnose biologically relevant molecules or unravel cellular metabolism. Metals are part of the essential elements for life, and of increased attention in nutraceuticals. Most of the current diagnosis processes, therapeutics and nutraceuticals are based on organic molecules. MILS-26 reviews the most recent metal-containing molecules and nanomaterials for diagnosis and therapy