Supramolecular nanoencapsulation as a tool: solubilization of the anticancer drug trans-dichloro(dipyridine)platinum(II) by complexation with beta-cyclodextrin.

A novel, water-soluble trans-platinum complex was synthesized by inclusion complexation with beta-cyclodextrin. The complexation was confirmed by (1)H NMR, FT-IR, TGA, and XRD as well as by SEM and EDX. As the precursor complex is not water-soluble, it is difficult to employ it for biological applications. Here, we report that the encapsulation with cyclodextrin allowed to solubilize the complex to a solubility value of 1.6 mg/mL. Moreover, the cytotoxicity in vitro of the novel inclusion complex indicated a much higher activity after encapsulation.