Volume 83, Issue 7 p. 554-564
Minireview

Harnessing the Coordination Chemistry of 1,4,7-Triazacyclononane for Biomimicry and Radiopharmaceutical Applications

Dr. Tanmaya Joshi

Corresponding Author

Dr. Tanmaya Joshi

Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany

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Dr. Manja Kubeil

Dr. Manja Kubeil

Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany

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Anne Nsubuga

Anne Nsubuga

Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany

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Garima Singh

Garima Singh

Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany

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Dr. Gilles Gasser

Corresponding Author

Dr. Gilles Gasser

Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology, 75005 Paris, France

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Dr. Holger Stephan

Corresponding Author

Dr. Holger Stephan

Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany

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First published: 04 April 2018
Citations: 24

In memory of Leone Spiccia

Graphical Abstract

Coordination secured: The flexible coordination chemistry of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TACN) derivatives has been widely exploited for generating macrocyclic metal complexes as good mimics of metal-containing biosites and as metal-based radiopharmaceuticals.

Abstract

1,4,7-Triazacyclononane (TACN)-based mono- and poly-nuclear metal complexes have found extensive use as biological mimics for understanding the structural and operational aspects of complex natural systems. Their coordination flexibility has also provided researchers access to a vast library of radiometal-binding motifs that display excellent thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness upon metal complexation. Synthetic modification of the TACN backbone has yielded ligands that can form metal complexes with coordination geometries well suited for these applications. In particular, Leone Spiccia's research has played a significant role in accelerating the progress in these two fields. With a focus on his contributions to the topics of biomimicry and radiopharmaceuticals, this Minireview uses relevant examples to put in perspective the utility of macrocyclic coordination chemistry for biological inorganic chemistry applications.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.