Nature-Inspired Gold(I) Complexes as Anticancer Agents: Ligand Design, Structure–Activity Relationships, and Mechanisms

Cancers 2026 Open access

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Authors: Amrin Begum, Navya PN, Pooran Kumar, Srinivasa Reddy Telukutla, Ruchika Ojha, Magdalena Plebanski, Suresh K. Bhargava
DOI: 10.3390/cancers18040631
Cited by: 3
References: 86

Abstract

Nature-inspired ligands, including natural product scaffolds and bio-inspired motifs, have emerged as an important source for the development of gold(I) complexes with promising preclinical anticancer activity. This review focuses on structurally characterised gold(I) complexes derived from these ligands, emphasising how ligand structure and gold coordination influence the biological activity. This paper covers the synthesis of nature-inspired gold(I) complexes, alkynyl, N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC), heteroatom-donor, and heterobimetallic complexes, which collectively contribute to enhanced cytotoxicity, stability, and mechanistic diversity. By focusing on these nature-inspired gold(I) complexes, this review provides a concise structure-activity perspective and outlines future opportunities for rational design in anticancer research.

Fields of Study & Subjects

N-Heterocyclic Carbenes in Organic and Inorganic Chemistry Catalytic Alkyne Reactions Metal complexes synthesis and properties

Publication details

Journal / source
Cancers
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
18
Issue
4
Pages
631–631
Publication date
15 February 2026
Language
EN