Carbon monoxide (CO) is increasingly recognized as a cell-signalling molecule akin to nitric oxide (NO). CO has attracted particular attention as a potential therapeutic agent because of its reported anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory and cell-protective effects. We discuss recent progress in identifying new effector systems and elucidating the mechanisms of action of CO on, e.g., ion channels, as well as the design of novel methods to monitor CO in cellular environments. We also report on recent developments in the area of CO-releasing molecules (CORMs) and materials for controlled CO application. Novel triggers for CO release, metal carbonyls and degradation mechanisms of CORMs, are highlighted. In addition, potential formulations of CORMs for targeted CO release are discussed.

Glycosylation can significantly improve the physicochemical and biological properties of small molecules like vitamins, antibiotics, flavors, and fragrances. The chemical synthesis of glycosides is, however, far from trivial and involves multistep routes that generate lots of waste. In this review, biocatalytic alternatives are presented that offer both stricter specificities and higher yields. The advantages and disadvantages of different enzyme classes are discussed and illustrated with a number of recent examples. Progress in the field of enzyme engineering and screening are expected to result in new applications of biocatalytic glycosylation reactions in various industrial sectors.

Apart from cisplatin and some derivatives successful metallopharmaceuticals are still scarce in antitumour therapy. Although novel metal complexes have been investigated in preclinical settings several promising compounds failed in different phases. With the rise of new anticancer compounds new activation strategies have also evolved. Photochemical activation is one of the most important concepts as it uses pro-drugs whose activity can be triggered by light. This strategy offers the possibility to control the location, timing, and dosage of the therapeutic metal complex. Recent developments in the photoactivation of potential metallopharmaceuticals are summarized. Immobilisation of those drugs on solid matrices, such as films, particles, gels, and fibers, is an emerging field and recent findings are also discussed.

A versatile CO releasing material (CORMA) was generated by embedding light-sensitive Mn2(CO)10 into nanoporous non-wovens via electrospinning.