Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Treatment: Transition Metal Complexes As Successful Candidates in Medicine Publisher



Abdolmaleki S¹ ; Aliabadi A^{2, 3} ; Khaksar S¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Coordination Chemistry Reviews Published:2025

Abstract

Transition metal complexes are a versatile area of research in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, and medicine. Their unique electronic properties, reactivity patterns, and coordination chemistry make them valuable tools for understanding fundamental chemical principles and their interaction with biological molecules and systems, providing valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies and the development of novel treatments for a wide range of diseases. This review explains the multifaceted role of transition metal complexes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and offers combination treatments as more effective solutions for cancer therapy. In addition, it is discussed that these compounds offer new opportunities to combat drug-resistant pathogens through their antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic activities. A series of transition metal complexes are presented that show promising results for the treatment of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and stroke. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered versatile platforms for the delivery of nucleic acids that offer specific benefits for the treatment of a range of diseases. The potential of metallic nanoparticles to improve tissue engineering is presented and it is discussed that integration of these nanoparticles into scaffolds can improve their properties and interactions with cells. Finally, it is argued that despite the potential benefits, researchers must address the challenges associated with metal complexes to continue to innovate and develop new strategies to combat disease and improve human health and well-being. This review focuses on the development and medical applications of transition metal complexes from the late 19th century to the present day. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.