Development of novel molecular probes for metal ions and small biomolecules

Abstract

The universe is a complex collection of elements, ions and molecules that continuously experience a network of chemical interactions. Living organisms and their environments communicate each other through several elementary chemical pathways like electron transfer, acid–base chemistry and metal–ligand interactions as well as stoichiometric and catalytic transformations. Understanding the molecular interactions present in these processes not only a major challenge, but also provides unique opportunity and motivation for chemists to develop new tools to study dynamic intracellular biological relationships. In this context, the chemists are trying to create novel analytical methods that allow real-time studies of intact biological systems with spatial resolution.