The data concerning the synthesis and physicochemical characteristics of one of the practically important proteins—gelatin, as well as the possibilities of its practical application, are systematized and discussed. When considering the latter, emphasis is placed on the use of gelatin in those areas of science and technology that are associated with the specifics of the spatial/molecular structure of this high-molecular compound, namely, as a binder for the silver halide photographic process, immobilized matrix systems with a nano-level organization of an immobilized substance, matrices for creating pharmaceutical/dosage forms and protein-based nanosystems. It was concluded that the use of this protein is promising in the future.

The data on the specifics of synthesis of elemental silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP) having various geometric shapes (pseudo spherical, prismatic, cubic, trigonal-pyramidal, etc.), obtained by using various biological methods, and their use in biology and medicine have been systematized and generalized. The review covers mainly publications published in the current 21st century. Bibliography: 262 references.

The hybrid density functional theory B3LYP method with the 6-31G(d) basis set and the Gaussian 98 program has been used for calculating the geometric parameters of the Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes with NNSS-donor macrocyclic ligands forming in the course of template processes in the M(II)-dithiooxamide-formaldehyde systems. The bond lengths and bond angles in the complexes with the MN₂S₂ metal chelate core are reported. For all M(II) ions, the extra six-membered chelate ring that form as a result of template assembly is rotated through a rather large angle with respect to two five-membered rings and the ring itself is not planar.