Recent advances in utilization of transition metal complexes and lanthanides as diagnostic tools

Based on the widely diverse coordination environment of transition metal complexes and lanthanides, and variation in the identities of coordinating ligands, synthesis of such complexes with desired molecular geometry can be realized. These compounds often possess remarkable and unique spectroscopic, photophysical and electrochemical properties which may be exploited in sensory and diagnostic applications. In this article, recent advances in the development and utilization of transition metal complexes and lanthanides as ion, molecular and other chemical sensors, nucleic acid probes, and other detection tools in related bioassays will be reviewed. © 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.