Synthesis and cytotoxicity of enantiomerically pure [1,2-diamino-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-methylbutane]platinum(II) complexes

A series of leaving group derivatives of enantiomerically pure [1,2-diamino-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-methylbutane]platinum(II) complexes were synthesized and tested for cytotoxicity. The enantiomeric purity was determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy on the final diamines after derivation with (1R)-myrtenal. For coordination to platinum, the diamines were reacted with K2PtI4. The treatment of diiodoplatinum(II) complexes (4F-Ph/iProp-PtI2) with Ag2SO4 resulted in the sulfatoplatinum(II) complexes (4F-Ph/iProp-PtSO4), which can be easily transformed to dichloroplatinum(II) complexes (4F-Ph/iProp-PtCl2) with 2 n HCl. The importance of the leaving groups and the configuration at the diamine ligand on the antiproliferative effects was evaluated on the hormone-dependent MCF-7 and the hormone-independent MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cell lines as well as the LNCaP/FGC prostate cancer cell line. (R,R)-4F-Ph/iProp-PtCl2 was identified as the most active platinum(II) complex. The 3-methyl group increased antiproliferative effects relative to the [1,2-diamino-1-(4-fluorophenyl)butane]platinum(II) complexes described in an earlier study.     

A series of unconjugated ferrocenyl phenols: prospects as anticancer agents

We recently reported that a ferrocenyl diphenol butene derivative showed a very strong cytotoxic effect on both hormone-dependent and -independent breast cancer cell lines. In order to obtain more information about the structure-activity relationship in the cytotoxicity of small ferrocene compounds, we have prepared a series of simple unconjugated ferrocenyl diphenol complexes (ortho,para; meta,para; para,para). These compounds retain a reasonable to good affinity for both estrogen receptor types, with higher values for the beta form, and superior binding for the para,para diphenol complex (RBA=28%). In vitro these complexes exhibit significant cytotoxic effects on hormone-independent prostate (PC3) and breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB231), with IC50 values between 2.5 and 4.1 microM. This effect is more marked with PC3, the ortho,para diphenol complex proving the most effective. On the hormone-dependent MCF7 breast cancer cell line, the observed effect seems to be the result of two components, one cytotoxic (antiproliferative), the other estrogenic (proliferative). Electrochemical studies show that the cytotoxic effect of the complexes correlates with the ease of oxidation of the ferrocene group. All these complexes are much less cytotoxic than the ferrocenyl diphenol butene derivative.     

Growth Effects of Some Platinum(II) Complexes with Sulfur-Containing Carrier Ligands on MCF7 Human Breast Cancer Cell Line upon Simultaneous Administration with Taxol

The platinum (II)complexes, cis-[PtCl(2)(CH(3)SCH(2)CH(2)SCH(3))] (Pt1), cis-[PtCl(2)(dmso)(2)] (dmso is dimethylsulfoxide; Pt2) and cis-[PtCl(2)(NH(3))(2)] (cisplatin), and taxol (T) have been tested at different equimolar concentrations. Cells were exposed to complexes for 2 h and left to recover in fresh medium for 24, 48 or 72 h. Growth inhibition was measured by tetrazolium WST1 assay Analyses of the cell cycle, and apoptosis were performed by flow cytometry, at the same exposure times. The IC50 value of each platinum(II) complex as well as combination index (CI; platinum(II) complex + taxol) for various cytotoxicity levels were determined by median effects analysis.MCF7 cells were found to be sensitive to both Pt1 and Pt2 complexe These cisplatin analogues influenced the cell growth more effectively as compared to cisplatin. Cytotoxic effect was concentration and time-dependent. Profound growth inhibitory effect was observed for Pt1 complex, across all its concentrations at all recovery periods. A plateau effect was achieved three days after treatment at Pt1 concentrations 相似文献   

Synthesis,receptor binding,molecular modeling,and proliferative assays of a series of 17alpha-arylestradiols

A series of new derivatives of estradiol substituted at position 17alpha by various aryls has been synthesized. This was made possible by efficient activation methods for the addition of aryllithiums to the carbonyl group at position 17 of estrone by using tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) or BF3 x OEt2. Their relative binding affinity (RBA) for the alpha and the beta forms of the estrogen receptor (ER) have been measured. All except one of the compounds synthesized had an RBA value of around 10 % which indicates a level of tolerance towards the bulky substituent at position 17. The lipophilicity values measured for these compounds are higher than that found for estradiol (E2). A study of their proliferative/antiproliferative effects was carried out on hormone-dependent (MCF7) and hormone-independent (MDA-MB231) breast cancer cell lines. It is interesting to note that all the compounds are estrogenic. The possibility of easily attaching an iodine at the end of a phenyl spacer opens up a route to new radiopharmaceuticals for use in radioimaging.     

Influence of Ring Modifications on Nucleolar Stress Caused by Oxaliplatin-Like Compounds**

Oxaliplatin, a platinum compound in broad clinical use, can induce cell death through a nucleolar stress pathway rather than the canonical DNA damage response studied for other Pt(II) compounds. Previous work has found that the oxaliplatin 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DACH) ring but not the oxalate leaving group is important to the ability to induce nucleolar stress. Here we study the influence of DACH ring substituents at the 4-position on the ability of DACH−Pt(II) compounds to cause nucleolar stress. We determine that DACH−Pt(II) compounds with 4-position methyl, ethyl, or propyl substituents induce nucleolar stress, but DACH−Pt(II) compounds with 4-isopropyl substituents do not induce nucleolar stress. This effect is independent of whether the substituent is in the axial or equatorial position relative to the trans diamines of the ligand. These results suggest that spatially sensitive interactions could be involved in the ability of platinum compounds to cause nucleolar stress.     

The presence of a ferrocenyl unit on an estrogenic molecule is not always sufficient to generate in vitro cytotoxicity

We recently reported the dual (antihormonal and cytotoxic) functionality of ferrocifens, which are organometallic complexes derived from hydroxytamoxifen, the standard molecule in the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancers. To test the hypothesis that the presence of a ferrocenyl substituent on molecules with an affinity for the estrogen receptor is sufficient to give them cytotoxic properties in vitro, we prepared complexes derived from estradiol with a ferrocenyl substituent at positions 7alpha and 17alpha. The complexes thus obtained retain a satisfactory level of affinity for the estrogen receptor (RBA values higher than 12 %). At low concentrations (0.1-1 microM) the complexes show an estrogenic effect in vitro equivalent to that of estradiol on hormone-dependent (MCF-7) breast cancer cells, and no cytotoxic effect on hormone-independent (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cells. At high concentrations (up to 50 microM) the 17alpha-ethynylferrocenyl estradiol and 7alpha-ferrocenylmethylthio estradiol become cytotoxic (IC(50)=13.2 microM and 18.8 microM, respectively) while the 17alpha-ferrocenylestradiol remains non toxic. The low toxicity of these compounds support our hypothesis that electronic communication between the ferrocenyl and phenol moieties in the hydroxyferrocifens series is a key parameter in the generation of cytotoxic effects at submicromolar concentrations.     

Selective estrogen-receptor modulators (SERMs) in the cyclopentadienylrhenium tricarbonyl series: synthesis and biological behaviour

A series of organometallic antiestrogens based on the OH-tamoxifen (OH-Tam) skeleton and bearing the (eta(5)-C(5)H(4))Re(I)(CO)(3) unit has been prepared by using McMurry coupling for the purpose of studying their biological behaviour. The cyclopentadienylrhenium tricarbonyl moiety is indeed stable in biological media, compact, lipophilic and easy to handle. Furthermore, this study allowed us to select the best candidates for subsequent use as radiopharmaceuticals either for imaging or therapy by using appropriate radionucleides, namely (99m)Tc and (188)Re. In these molecules the beta-phenyl group of OH-Tam has been replaced by the (eta(5)-C(5)H(4))Re(CO)(3) moiety, and the length of the dimethylamino side chain --O(CH(2))(n)N(CH(3))(2) was varied (n=2, 3, 4, 5 and 8). The compounds 7 a-7 e were obtained as mixtures of their Z and E isomers, which could be separated by semipreparative HPLC. Unlike their ferrocene homologues, the compounds do not isomerise in solution. Structural identification was carried out with NMR spectroscopy by using the HMBC and NOE techniques and was confirmed by the X-ray structural determination of (E)-7 a (n=2). These molecules were more lipophilic than OH-Tam (log P(o/w)=4.5-6.3) and they were all reasonably well recognized by the two forms of the estrogen receptor (ERalpha and ERbeta). For example, (Z)-7 b (n=3) has high relative binding affinity (RBA) values of 31 % for ERalpha and 16.8 % for ERbeta. The antiproliferative effects of two pairs of isomers, (Z)- and (E)-7 b (n=3) and (Z)- and (E)-7 d (n=5), were studied at a molarity of 1 microM on two breast-cancer cell lines, MCF7 (ERalpha positive) and MDA-MB231 (ERalpha negative). These molecules had an antiproliferative effect on MCF7 cells slightly higher than that of OH-Tam and no effect on MDA-MB231 cells. Thus, the antiproliferative effect observed on the MCF7 cells seemed essentially to be linked to an antiestrogenic effect. Molecular modelling studies have allowed us to rationalise these effects and select the best compounds for future development of a radioactive series.     

From [10]Paracyclophane to Ferrocenophanones: The Search for Molecular Machines and Bio-Organometallic Anticancer Drugs

A partial quenching of the NMR ring current in [10]paracyclophane-chromium tricarbonyl prompted a study of other metal–arene π complexes, several of which exhibited restricted intramolecular motion relevant to their potential use in molecular machines. An attempted Diels–Alder reaction of 9-phenylethynyl-9H-fluorene with tetracyclone instead yielded a novel tetracene by isomerization of the alkyne to the corresponding allene, and then via a series of allene dimers which are classifiable as cyclophanes. (Subsequently, the first organometallic molecular brake was prepared, whereby migration of a metal carbonyl tripod over an indenyl framework blocked the rotation of a triptycene paddlewheel.) Cyclophanes have now found applicability in the field of bio-organometallic chemistry; the activity of tamoxifen, the first line treatment for hormone-dependent breast cancers, is markedly enhanced when the structure is modified by incorporation of a ferrocenophane moiety. Finally, we relate the story of how the first cyclophane, [1.1.1]orthocyclophane, was actually prepared by Cannizzaro in 1854, but was only recognized as such more than 150 years later.     

Effect of Oxaliplatin,Olaparib and LY294002 in Combination on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis as the therapy has several limitations, most importantly, treatment resistance. In this study we examined the different responses of triple-negative breast cancer line MDA-MB-231 and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer line MCF7 to a combined treatment including olaparib, a poly-(ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, oxaliplatin, a third-generation platinum compound and LY294002, an Akt pathway inhibitor. We applied the drugs in a single, therapeutically relevant concentration individually and in all possible combinations, and we assessed the viability, type of cell death, reactive oxygen species production, cell-cycle phases, colony formation and invasive growth. In agreement with the literature, the MDA-MB-231 cells were more treatment resistant than the MCF7 cells. However, and in contrast with the findings of others, we detected no synergistic effect between olaparib and oxaliplatin, and we found that the Akt pathway inhibitor augmented the cytostatic properties of the platinum compound and/or prevented the cytoprotective effects of PARP inhibition. Our results suggest that, at therapeutically relevant concentrations, the cytotoxicity of the platinum compound dominated over that of the PARP inhibitor and the PI3K inhibitor, even though a regression-based model could have indicated an overall synergy at lower and/or higher concentrations.     

Herceptin-platinum(II) binding complexes: novel cancer-cell-specific agents

We report a new series of Herceptin-platinum(II) binding complexes, Her-nLPt(II) (Her denotes Herceptin; L denotes diamino ligands and L=L1-L4; n=1, 5, or 10). Solution chemistry studies have shown that these complexes are stable under physiological conditions (pH 7.4 in PBS). The platinum(II) compound L1Pt(II)Cl(2) inhibits the growth of a panel of human cancer cell lines at sub-micromolar concentrations. Remarkable cancer-cell-specific cytotoxicity was observed with Her-nL1Pt(II) (n=1, 5, 10) toward Her2/neu-overexpressing cancer cells (SK-BR-3 and SK-OV-3) over normal fibroblast cells. Annexin V apoptosis assays in SK-BR-3 and low-Her2/neu-expressing MCF-7 breast cancer cells further confirmed the critical role of Herceptin with this cancer-cell-specific agent. It was also found that the L1Pt(II)Cl(2) complex is an efficient regulator of the apoptotic genes Bcl-2 in the treated SK-BR-3 cells. Also, enhanced regulatory effects were observed in Her-10L1Pt(II). Taken together, this study suggests a new approach for the development of mAb-platinum(II)-based targeting agents for the treatment of human cancers.     

二氢月桂烯醇型硅烷偶联剂的合成

以三乙氧基硅烷和二氢月桂烯醇为原料,在Pt金属配合物(Pt-PMVS)催化剂存在下,进行硅氢加成反应,制备了一种二氢月桂烯醇型硅烷偶联剂〔2,6-二甲基-8-(三乙氧基硅基)-2-辛醇〕(以下简称DHMS),并通过GC-MS、1HNMR等确认了主副产物的组成。考察了溶剂、反应时间、反应温度及Pt含量对生成目标产物及副产物的影响。结果表明,通过抑制副反应,并对产物减压蒸馏,可以得到质量分数超过98%的DHMS,总收率为69.7%。     

Self-assembly of luminescent alkynylplatinum(II) terpyridyl complexes: modulation of photophysical properties through aggregation behavior

Complexes of platinum(II) with polypyridine (that is, the multidentate ligands related to pyridine, such as bipyridine or terpyridine) have rich photophysical properties. These compounds are able to give different crystal forms in the solid state: this polymorphism is evident in the broad range of colors that can be observed in solid samples. Because of the square-planar coordination geometry of the metal center, Pt···Pt as well as π-π interactions between the chromophoric polypyridyl platinum(II) moieties are thought to contribute to the polymorphism. Owing to limited solubility, metal···metal interactions in platinum(II) polypyridyl systems had been mainly studied in the solid state, but our preparation of more soluble complexes has enabled detailed spectroscopic examinations in solution. In this Account, we describe our development of these alkynylplatinum(II) terpyridyl complexes and their unique spectral properties. A series of square-planar platinum(II) terpyridyl complexes with enhanced solubility due to the presence of the alkynyl group exhibited intense emission in solution. The lowest energy absorption and emission bands are suggested to originate from the dπ(Pt) → π*(terpy) metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) and π(C≡C-C(6)H(4)-R) → π*(terpy) ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (LLCT) transitions. In addition to polymorphism and a wide range of spectral properties, these complexes also exhibit "solvatochromism" and "solvatoluminescence". They show remarkable color changes and luminescence enhancement when the diethyl ether content in a solvent mixture is varied, even as the concentration of the platinum(II) complex is held constant. The dramatic color changes and luminescence enhancement are tentatively suggested to originate from a metal-metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MMLCT) transition: reduced solvation (caused by an increase in the fraction of diethyl ether, which is the nonsolvating component of the liquid) is thought to increase Pt···Pt and π-π stacking interactions that arise from ground-state self-assembly or aggregate formation. The absorbance and luminescence wavelengths in these solvent-induced self-assemblies are also found to be dependent on the nature of the anions. Thus, counterions play an important role in governing the degree of self-assembly and the extent of interactions within these aggregates. Several polymers carrying multiple negatively charged functional groups (under basic conditions) as well as oligonucleotides have been shown to induce the aggregation and self-assembly of the positively charged water-soluble alkynylplatinum(II) terpyridyl complexes. The driving force for the induced aggregation and self-assembly is electrostatic binding of the complex molecules to the polymer, which brings the cations into a close proximity that induces Pt···Pt and π-π interactions and gives rise to remarkable color changes and luminescence enhancement. The spectral changes are shown to be related to the properties of both the complexes and the polymers. Upon electrostatic interaction, the platinum(II) complex cations are also found to stabilize the polymers and biopolymers in a helical conformation through Pt···Pt and π-π interactions. The influence on their secondary structure is revealed by significant circular dichroism (CD) signal enhancement.     

Hormone anchored metal complexes. 1. Synthesis, structure, spectroscopy and in vitro antitumor activity of testosterone acetate thiosemicarbazone and its metal complexes

Testosterone acetate thiosemicarbazone (TATSC, 17-beta-hydroxyandrost-4-one acetate thiosemicarbazone) was synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray structure determination. The copper and platinum complexes of this steroid derivative were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopy and electrochemiatry. The in vitro activity of these compounds against human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was tested. The highest activity was found for the [Pt(TATSC)Cl(1)] followed by [Cu(TATSC)Cl(2)] and the ligand in compariosn with cisplatin.     

Resveratrol Sensitizes Tamoxifen in Antiestrogen-Resistant Breast Cancer Cells with Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Features

Tamoxifen resistance remains to be a huge obstacle in the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer, and this therefore highlights the dire need to explore the underlying mechanisms. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a molecular process through which an epithelial cell transfers into a mesenchymal phenotype. Roles of EMT in embryo development, cancer invasion and metastasis have been extensively reported. Herein, we established tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7/TR breast cancer cells and showed that MCF-7/TR cells underwent EMT driven by enhanced endogenous TGF-β/Smad signaling. Ectopic supplement of TGF-β promoted in MCF-7 cells a mesenchymal and resistant phenotype. In parallel, we demonstrated that resveratrol was capable of synergizing with tamoxifen and triggering apoptosis in MCF-7/TR cells. Further Western blot analysis indicated that the chemosensitizing effects of resveratrol were conferred with its modulation on endogenous TGF-β production and Smad phosphorylation. In particular, 50 μM resveratrol had minor effects on MCF-7/TR cell proliferation, but could significantly attenuate endogenous TGF-β production and the Smad pathway, ultimately leading to reversion of EMT. Collectively, our study highlighted distinct roles of EMT in tamoxifen resistance and resveratrol as a potential agent to overcome acquired tamoxifen resistance. The molecular mechanism of resveratrol chemosensitizing effects is, at least in part, TGF-β/Smad-dependent.     

Loading and Delivery of Anticancer Drugs using Montmorillonite

This study aimed to investigate in vitro the montmorillonite (MMT) as carrier for gemcitabine hydrochloride (dFdU.HCl) and oxaliplatin (DACH‐Pt). The maximum adsorption capacities of MMT and their respective mechanisms were determined through a soaking procedure (387.5 mg dFdU.HCl/g MMT were adsorbed in 32 h, 83 mg DACH‐Pt/g MMT in 48 h). Release kinetics studies were carried out soaking the samples of loaded MMT in simulated body fluids (SBF). Finally, in an attempt to explain the mechanism of drug delivery, the chemical interactions were studied theoretically, according to the adsorption and release profiles.     

Support effects in Pt/TiO2–ZrO2 catalysts for NO reduction with CH4

ZrO₂–TiO₂ mixed oxides, prepared using the sol–gel method, were used as supports for platinum catalysts. The effects of catalyst pre-reduction and surface acidity on the performance of Pt/ZT catalysts for the reduction of NO with CH₄ were studied. The diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transformed (DRIFT) spectra of CO adsorbed on the Pt/ZT catalysts, and also on the Pt/T and Pt/Z references, pre-reduced at 773 K in hydrogen, revealed that an SMSI state is developed in the Ti-rich oxide-supported platinum catalysts. However, no shift in the binding energy of Pt 4f_7/2 level for Pt/T and Pt deposited on Ti-rich support counterparts pre-reduced at 773 K was found by photoelectron spectroscopy. The DRIFT spectra of the catalysts under the NO+O₂ co-adsorption revealed the appearance of nitrite/nitrate species on the surface of the Zr-containing catalysts, which displayed acidic properties, but were almost absent in the Pt/T catalyst. The intensity of these bands reached a maximum for the Pt/ZT(1:1) catalyst, which in turn exhibited a larger specific area. In the absence of oxygen in the feed stream, the NO+CH₄ reaction showed DRIFT spectra assigned to surface isocyano species. Since the intensity of this band is higher for the Pt/ZT (9:1) catalyst, it seems that such species are developed at the Pt–support interface.     

Synthesis,Cytotoxicity, Induction of Apoptosis,and Interaction with DNA of Dinuclear Platinum(II) Complexes

Six dicarboxylato‐bridged dinuclear platinum(II) complexes S1 – S6 , with a newly designed chiral ligand, 2‐{[(1R,2R)‐2‐aminocyclohexyl]amino}propanoic acid ( HL ), were prepared and spectrally characterized. The in vitro cytotoxicity of all resulting platinum(II) complexes was evaluated against human HCT‐116, MCF‐7, and HepG‐2 tumor cell lines. The results show that all compounds exhibit positive biological activity toward HCT‐116 and MCF‐7 cell lines, of which complexes S3 , S4 , and S5 , with succinate and its derivatives as bridges, showing better activity than the positive controls. Moreover, double‐dyeing flow cytometric resection experiments indicate that the target compounds inhibit tumor cell growth by inducing apoptosis; gel electrophoresis experiments demonstrate the compounds′ ability to prompt pET22b plasmid DNA degradation in almost the same way as oxaliplatin.     

Expression and Function of StAR in Cancerous and Non-Cancerous Human and Mouse Breast Tissues: New Insights into Diagnosis and Treatment of Hormone-Sensitive Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is primarily triggered by estrogens, especially 17β-estradiol (E2), which are synthesized by the aromatase enzyme. While all steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol, the rate-limiting step in steroid biosynthesis is mediated by the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein. Herein, we demonstrate that StAR mRNA expression was aberrantly high in human hormone-dependent BC (MCF7, MDA-MB-361, and T-47D), modest in hormone-independent triple negative BC (TNBC; MDA-MB-468, BT-549, and MDA-MB-231), and had little to none in non-cancerous mammary epithelial (HMEC, MCF10A, and MCF12F) cells. In contrast, these cell lines showed abundant expression of aromatase (CYP19A1) mRNA. Immunofluorescence displayed qualitatively similar patterns of both StAR and aromatase expression in various breast cells. Additionally, three different transgenic (Tg) mouse models of spontaneous breast tumors, i.e., MMTV-Neu, MMTV-HRAS, and MMTV-PyMT, demonstrated markedly higher expression of StAR mRNA/protein in breast tumors than in normal mammary tissue. While breast tumors in these mouse models exhibited higher expression of ERα, ERβ, and PR mRNAs, their levels were undetected in TNBC tumors. Accumulation of E2 in plasma and breast tissues, from MMTV-PyMT and non-cancerous Tg mice, correlated with StAR, but not with aromatase, signifying the importance of StAR in governing E2 biosynthesis in mammary tissue. Treatment with a variety of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) in primary cultures of enriched breast tumor epithelial cells, from MMTV-PyMT mice, resulted in suppression of StAR and E2 levels. Importantly, inhibition of StAR, concomitant with E2 synthesis, by various HDACIs, at clinical and preclinical doses, in MCF7 cells, indicated therapeutic relevance of StAR in hormone-dependent BCs. These findings provide insights into the molecular events underlying the differential expression of StAR in human and mouse cancerous and non-cancerous breast cells/tissues, highlighting StAR could serve not only as a novel diagnostic maker but also as a therapeutic target for the most prevalent hormone-sensitive BCs.     

铂微粒修饰聚苯胺膜电极对甲酸电催化氧化的研究

采用循环伏安法研究Pt盘电极 (Pt)、铂微粒修饰Pt盘电极 [Pt(Pt) ]和Pt微粒修饰聚苯胺膜电极 [PAN(Pt) ]对甲酸电催化氧化行为的影响 ,比较了它们对甲酸电催化氧化的活性 ,发现PAN(Pt)电极对甲酸电催化氧化的表观电流密度为 3 79× 10 2 mA·cm-2 ,分别比Pt、Pt(Pt)和Pt-PDMA/Pt电极约高 2 35、2 5和 6 3倍。峰电位比Pt PDMA/Pt电极约低 0 16V。     

Active targeting of cancer cells using folic acid-conjugated platinum nanoparticles

Interaction of nanoparticles with human cells is an interesting topic for understanding toxicity and developing potential drug candidates. Water soluble platinum nanoparticles were synthesized via reduction of hexachloroplatinic acid using sodium borohydride in the presence of capping agents. The bioactivity of folic acid and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) capped platinum nanoparticles (Pt-nps) has been investigated using commercially available cell lines. In the cell viability experiments, PVP-capped nanoparticles were found to be less toxic (>80% viability), whereas, folic acid-capped platinum nanoparticles showed a reduced viability down to 24% after 72 h of exposure at a concentration of 100 μg ml(-1) for MCF7 breast cancer cells. Such toxicity, combined with the possibility to incorporate functional organic molecules as capping agents, can be used for developing new drug candidates.