Abstract: A method for inhibiting microbial growth comprises administering an effective amount of a silver complex of a N-heterocyclic amine. A method for treating cancer cells or a method for imaging one or more tissues of a patient includes administering an effective amount of a complex of a N-heterocyclic amine and a radioactive metal. A method for treating urinary tract infections utilizing silver complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes. N-heterocyclic carbenes of the present invention may be represented by the formula wherein Z is a heterocyclic group, and R1 and R2 are, independently or in combination, hydrogen or a C1-C12 organic group selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl, heterocyclic, and alkoxy groups and substituted derivatives thereof.