Supramolecular metal-based molecules and materials for biomedical applications

The design and development of metallo-supramolecular systems has resulted in the construction of a myriad of fascinating structures with highly diverse properties and potential applications in biology and medicine. Assessment of the biomedical applications of such metal-based assemblies is an emerging field of research that stems from the recently demonstrated promising results on such systems. In this article, we will present selected examples among two main families of metallo-supramolecular systems, namely the discrete supramolecular coordination complexes (SCCs) and the metal organic frameworks (MOFs), respectively. Thus, we will introduce the main synthetic strategies and structural features for each family and discuss in more details the properties that make them suitable for applications as new generation therapeutic and imaging agents, as well as drug delivery systems. Overall, we aim at delineating a useful set of guidelines to help synthetic chemists broadening the biomedical uses of such supramolecular systems, while enabling their rational design and targeted structural modifications.