Gold-based Compounds are Emerging as Powerful Catalysts in Living Systems
This document explores the potential of gold-based compounds as catalysts for chemical reactions inside living organisms, a growing area of bioinorganic chemistry. Unlike natural enzymes, gold catalysts can enable unique reactions in biological environments, such as modifying biomolecules, triggering selective chemical changes, and even activating drugs in the body. Gold is particularly valuable because its compounds are highly reactive, stable in water-based environments, and can work under mild conditions, making them suitable for biological applications. Researchers have studied gold-mediated reactions for detecting metal ions in cells, modifying proteins, and even developing targeted therapies. Some studies have demonstrated gold’s ability to catalyze bio-orthogonal transformations—reactions that don’t interfere with normal cellular processes—offering new possibilities for medical treatments. However, challenges remain, such as maintaining the stability of gold compounds in complex biological environments and preventing unwanted interactions with cellular molecules. Future advancements may involve designing more selective gold catalysts or incorporating them into nanomaterials to improve their effectiveness in living systems.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1367593120300016
