Definition

A preparation of platinum acetylacetonate supported by sol-gel technology functionalized titania, with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon intravenous administration, the platinum moiety forms complexes with nucleophilic groups such as GC-rich sites in DNA, inducing intrastrand and interstrand DNA cross-links, as well as DNA-protein cross-links, resulting in apoptosis and cell growth inhibition. Compared to platinum alone, the nanoparticle formulation allows increased delivery of platinum to the tumor site, thereby increasing efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity.