Luminescent lanthanide complexes as analytical tools in anion sensing, pH indication and protein recognition

Although lanthanide complexes are recently used in luminescence labeling of bio-targets, this review focuses on sensing profiles of synthetic and biological lanthanide complexes. Rational design and combinatorial screening approaches toward synthetic lanthanide complexes applicable as luminescent sensing materials are described. Iron-carrying transferrin and ferritin proteins further form lanthanide complexes working as pH indicators and protein recognition reagents.