Nas últimas décadas a medicina nuclear tornou-se uma grande aliada no auxílio ao diagnóstico de doenças e também para o tratamento do câncer. Parte deste sucesso está relacionada à constante pesquisa e desenvolvimento de novos radiofármacos. Uma classe de molécula que vem se mostrando promissora para o tratamento de tumores, tanto na sua forma orgânica quanto na forma de complexos organo-metálicos, é a tiossemicarbazona e seus derivados, os quais também podem formar complexos com radioisótopos metálicos dando origem a radiofármacos para diagnóstico e terapia. Neste trabalho foram preparados complexos com o ligante benzil-5-hidroxi-3-metil-5-fenil-4,5-diidro-1H-pirazol-1-carboditionato (H2bdtc) com os radioisótopos [99mTc]tecnécio, (67/68Ga)gálio e (111In)índio, e foram avaliados a pureza radioquímica, Log P e a estabilidade na presença de L-cisteína, L-histidina, soro albumina humana (SAH) e plasma de sangue humano; também foram avaliadas a taxa de captação dos radiofármacos in vitro em células de melanoma murino B16F10 e TM1M, além da avaliação da captação ex vivo e in vivo utilizando camundongos C57B/6 inoculados com as duas linhagens tumorais. Com o [99mT]tecnécio foram obtidos dois complexos diferentes, dependendo da concentração do PBS na solução, sendo que em um deles foi possível confirmar sua estrutura como [[99mTc]O(bdtc)(Hbdtc)] a partir do complexo de rênio [ReO(bdtc)(Hbdtc)], o outro complexo de [99mTc]tecnécio, bem como de (67/68Ga)gálio e (111In)índio não tiveram a estrutura caracterizada. A eficiência de marcação dos complexos foi superior a 90 %, com Log P maior que 1 para os complexos [[99mTc]O(bdtc)(Hbdtc)], [[99mTc]-bdtc] e [67/68Ga-bdtc] e 0,9 para [111In-bdtc]. Todos os complexos se mostraram com boa estabilidade na presença de L-cisteína e L-histidina, principalmente na primeira hora de incubação, mas não o foram na presença de SAH e plasma. A captação in vitro dos complexos em células B16F10 e TM1M variou entre 0,6 % e 1,8 %, e nos estudos de biodistribuição ex vivo foi obesrvada intensa e persistente captação hepática e no baço, superando 90 %, e captação no tumor variando de 0,2 % a 3 %, enquanto que nas imagens in vivo não foi possível observar de forma uma adequada captação nos tumores a ponto de permitir o uso como agente de diagnóstico. Os resultados permitem concluir que os complexos de derivados tiossemicarbazonas podem formar complexos com diferentes metais, mas novos derivados devem ser preparados para tentar melhorar o desempenho nos sistemas biológicos. Os experimentos com animais foram aprovados pela Comissão de Ética em Pesquisa da Faculdade de Medicina - USP, processo 372/12 / In recent decades, nuclear medicine has been used as diagnostic agent for disease and for the treatment of cancer. Part of this success is related to the constant research and development of new radiopharmaceuticals. Thiosemicarbazone and their derivatives have proven to be promising agent for the treatment of tumors, both in its organic form or as organo-metallic complexes. Also, they can to form complexes with metal radioisotopes giving radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and therapy. In this work we prepared complex of benzyl-5-hydroxy-3-methyl-5-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-carboditionato (H2bdtc) with radioisotopes [99mTc]technetium (67/68Ga)gallium and (111In)indium and the radiochemical purity, Log P and stability in the presence of L-cysteine, L-histidine, human serum albumin (HSA) and human blood plasma were assessed; also were assessed the in vitro uptake rate of radiopharmaceuticals in murine melanoma cells B16F10 and TM1M, besides the evaluation of ex vivo uptake and in vivo using C57Bl/6 mice inoculated with both tumor lines. With [99mT] technetium two different complexes were obtained, depending on the concentration of the PBS in the solution, and one of them was had its structure to confirm as [[99mTc]O(bdtc)(Hbdtc)] from the standard rhenium complex [ReO(bdtc)(Hbdtc)], the other [99mTc] echnetium complex as well as (67/68Ga)gallium and (111In)indium not have characterized the structure. The labeling efficiency of compleos was higher than 90%, with log P higher than 1 for the complexes [[99mTc]O(bdtc)(Hbdtc)], [[99mTc]-bdtc] and [(67/68Ga)-bdtc] and 0.9 to [111In-bdtc]. All the complexes showed good stability in the presence of L-cysteine and L-histidine, especially in the first hour of incubation, but not in the presence of HSA and plasma. The uptake in vitro complexes in B16F10 and TM1M cells varied between 0.6% and 1.8%, and in ex vivo biodistribution studies was obesrvada intense and persistent liver uptake and spleen, exceeding 90%, and tumor uptake in changing from 0.2% to 3%, while in vivo imaging was not possible to observe a properly uptake in tumors, not allowing to use these molecules as a diagnostic agent. The results indicate that the thiosemicarbazone derivative complex can give complexes with different metals, but new derivatives should be prepared to try to improve performance in biological systems. The animal experimentation was approved by Comissão de Ética em Pesquisa da Faculdade de Medicina - USP, proccess 372/12

Neste trabalho foram projetados, fabricados e caracterizados funcionalmente dispositivos eletroluminescentes empregando complexos de Terras Raras (TR) e de Metais de Transição (MT) tanto como em filmes finos termicamente evaporados quanto formados através da técnica de spin-coating. O estudo foi iniciado com os complexos de TRs (especificamente o complexo de Európio e de Térbio) com filmes termicamente evaporados, com vistas à análise da eficiência externa dos dispositivos em função do ligante principal (CL). Desta análise observou-se que a particular estrutura química do CL resulta em diferenças perceptíveis ao nível da caracterização eletro-óptica (de 0,73x10-3 [BTA] para 1,05x10-3 [DBM]). Dando seqüência à análise de dispositivo com camada emissiva termicamente evaporada, foi realizada a análise do complexo de Térbio com dois tipos de ligante neutro (NL). Com base nos resultados obtidos, neste foco do estudo, observou-se que a configuração estrutural do NL implica em diferenças na eficiência externa (de 0,8x10-3 [PHEN] para 4,1x10- 3 [BIPY]) e no comprimento de onda dominante emitido (de 542 nm [BIPY] para 563 [PHEN]). Ainda explorando os complexos de TRs, foram estudados dispositivos empregando estes dispersos em um polímero com função de matriz, neste caso o polivinilcarbazol (PVK), em filmes formados por spin-coating, os quais apresentaram maior eficiência (de 0,72x10-3 [evaporado] para 1,24x10-3 [spincoating]) externa em comparação aos termicamente evaporados. Ainda nesta linha de estudo foi explorada uma nova estrutura de dispositivo empregando filmes automontados, cujos resultados apresentaram uma melhor eficiência externa para três bicamadas de PAni/PEDOT:PSS. Na seqüência, foram empregados os complexos de MT, especificamente de Rutênio e de Rênio, em filmes finos formados por spincoating. Com o primeiro destes, foi avaliada a conseqüência da variação do seu ligante, seus processos de transporte de portadores de carga e os fenômenos relacionados com sua luminescência. Já com o segundo, que foi disperso em PVK em diversas concentrações, foi feita a análise da eficiência externa com a mesma idéia adotada com o complexo de Európio, cujo estudo revelou uma eficiente transferência de energia, descrita pelo mecanismo de Transferência de Carga Metal- Ligante (3MLCT). / This work presents the study of the Rare Earth (RE) and Transition Metals (TM) complexes, as emissive layers of Organic Light-Emitting Devices (OLEDs) designed, built and electro-optically characterized. The thin films were thermally evaporated or spin-coated. This research started with the study of Europium complex changing its central ligand (CL), which showed that its electrical response exhibits external efficiency differences (from 0.73x10-3 [BTA] to 1.05x10-3 [DBM]). It was observed that the particular chemical structure of the CL results in significant differences as seen in the electro-optical characterization. Giving continuity to the thermally evaporated device characterization, an analysis was done with the Terbium complexes with two different neutral ligands (NL). It was noticed, in this work, that an NL change in Terbium complex imply in changes in external efficiency (from 0.8x10-3 [PHEN] to 4.1x10-3 [BIPY]) and in the emitted dominant wavelength (from 542 nm [BIPY] to 563 nm [PHEN]). Following the study using RE complex, we used it as a dye dispersed in polyvinylcarbazole (PVK) matrix, in a spin-coated deposited thin-film, which results showed a better external efficiency in comparison with thermally evaporated thin-films (from 0.72x10-3 [thermal evaporation] to 1.24x10-3 [spin-coating]). Besides, it was studied a new structure of electroluminescent device with thin-film Self-Assembled deposition, which results showed a better external efficiency for three bilayers of PAni/PEDOT:PSS. In the sequence, TM complexes, namely Ruthenium and Rhenium, were studied using spincoated thin-films. With the first of them, the implications of different ligands (bipyridyne and phenanthroline) were evaluated aiming the charge carrier transport and the luminescence related phenomena. The Rhenium complex was dispersed as a dye in the PVK, using the same approach as that used to study the Europium complex showing a very efficient energy transfer process, described in literature as the Metal-Ligand Charge Transfer (3MLCT) mechanism.

Nas últimas décadas a medicina nuclear tornou-se uma grande aliada no auxílio ao diagnóstico de doenças e também para o tratamento do câncer. Parte deste sucesso está relacionada à constante pesquisa e desenvolvimento de novos radiofármacos. Uma classe de molécula que vem se mostrando promissora para o tratamento de tumores, tanto na sua forma orgânica quanto na forma de complexos organo-metálicos, é a tiossemicarbazona e seus derivados, os quais também podem formar complexos com radioisótopos metálicos dando origem a radiofármacos para diagnóstico e terapia. Neste trabalho foram preparados complexos com o ligante benzil-5-hidroxi-3-metil-5-fenil-4,5-diidro-1H-pirazol-1-carboditionato (H2bdtc) com os radioisótopos [99mTc]tecnécio, (67/68Ga)gálio e (111In)índio, e foram avaliados a pureza radioquímica, Log P e a estabilidade na presença de L-cisteína, L-histidina, soro albumina humana (SAH) e plasma de sangue humano; também foram avaliadas a taxa de captação dos radiofármacos in vitro em células de melanoma murino B16F10 e TM1M, além da avaliação da captação ex vivo e in vivo utilizando camundongos C57B/6 inoculados com as duas linhagens tumorais. Com o [99mT]tecnécio foram obtidos dois complexos diferentes, dependendo da concentração do PBS na solução, sendo que em um deles foi possível confirmar sua estrutura como [[99mTc]O(bdtc)(Hbdtc)] a partir do complexo de rênio [ReO(bdtc)(Hbdtc)], o outro complexo de [99mTc]tecnécio, bem como de (67/68Ga)gálio e (111In)índio não tiveram a estrutura caracterizada. A eficiência de marcação dos complexos foi superior a 90 %, com Log P maior que 1 para os complexos [[99mTc]O(bdtc)(Hbdtc)], [[99mTc]-bdtc] e [67/68Ga-bdtc] e 0,9 para [111In-bdtc]. Todos os complexos se mostraram com boa estabilidade na presença de L-cisteína e L-histidina, principalmente na primeira hora de incubação, mas não o foram na presença de SAH e plasma. A captação in vitro dos complexos em células B16F10 e TM1M variou entre 0,6 % e 1,8 %, e nos estudos de biodistribuição ex vivo foi obesrvada intensa e persistente captação hepática e no baço, superando 90 %, e captação no tumor variando de 0,2 % a 3 %, enquanto que nas imagens in vivo não foi possível observar de forma uma adequada captação nos tumores a ponto de permitir o uso como agente de diagnóstico. Os resultados permitem concluir que os complexos de derivados tiossemicarbazonas podem formar complexos com diferentes metais, mas novos derivados devem ser preparados para tentar melhorar o desempenho nos sistemas biológicos. Os experimentos com animais foram aprovados pela Comissão de Ética em Pesquisa da Faculdade de Medicina - USP, processo 372/12 / In recent decades, nuclear medicine has been used as diagnostic agent for disease and for the treatment of cancer. Part of this success is related to the constant research and development of new radiopharmaceuticals. Thiosemicarbazone and their derivatives have proven to be promising agent for the treatment of tumors, both in its organic form or as organo-metallic complexes. Also, they can to form complexes with metal radioisotopes giving radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and therapy. In this work we prepared complex of benzyl-5-hydroxy-3-methyl-5-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-carboditionato (H2bdtc) with radioisotopes [99mTc]technetium (67/68Ga)gallium and (111In)indium and the radiochemical purity, Log P and stability in the presence of L-cysteine, L-histidine, human serum albumin (HSA) and human blood plasma were assessed; also were assessed the in vitro uptake rate of radiopharmaceuticals in murine melanoma cells B16F10 and TM1M, besides the evaluation of ex vivo uptake and in vivo using C57Bl/6 mice inoculated with both tumor lines. With [99mT] technetium two different complexes were obtained, depending on the concentration of the PBS in the solution, and one of them was had its structure to confirm as [[99mTc]O(bdtc)(Hbdtc)] from the standard rhenium complex [ReO(bdtc)(Hbdtc)], the other [99mTc] echnetium complex as well as (67/68Ga)gallium and (111In)indium not have characterized the structure. The labeling efficiency of compleos was higher than 90%, with log P higher than 1 for the complexes [[99mTc]O(bdtc)(Hbdtc)], [[99mTc]-bdtc] and [(67/68Ga)-bdtc] and 0.9 to [111In-bdtc]. All the complexes showed good stability in the presence of L-cysteine and L-histidine, especially in the first hour of incubation, but not in the presence of HSA and plasma. The uptake in vitro complexes in B16F10 and TM1M cells varied between 0.6% and 1.8%, and in ex vivo biodistribution studies was obesrvada intense and persistent liver uptake and spleen, exceeding 90%, and tumor uptake in changing from 0.2% to 3%, while in vivo imaging was not possible to observe a properly uptake in tumors, not allowing to use these molecules as a diagnostic agent. The results indicate that the thiosemicarbazone derivative complex can give complexes with different metals, but new derivatives should be prepared to try to improve performance in biological systems. The animal experimentation was approved by Comissão de Ética em Pesquisa da Faculdade de Medicina - USP, proccess 372/12

Le développement de composés permettant le passage de molécules à travers la membrane cellulaire constitue un domaine de grand intérêt de la chimie et de la biochimie. Certaines maladies, comme la fibrose kystique, sont le résultat d'un dysfonctionnement du transport d'ions chlorure et bicarbonate à travers la bicouche lipidique. Ces dernières années, de nouvelles familles de transporteurs synthétiques ont fait leur apparition comme solution de remplacement aux transporteurs naturels. Cependant, la synthèse de systèmes supramoléculaires permettant le transport de larges molécules de part et d’autre de la bicouche lipidique reste, quant à elle, un défi. Ainsi nous présentons dans cette thèse deux systèmes différents: l’un permettant le transport d’ions chlorures et le second capable de combiner transport anionique et transport de macrocycles biologiquement actifs. Dans un premier temps, nous avons étudié le potentiel ionophore d’un dérivé benzimidazole. Des études mécanistiques ont été menées sur le 2,4,7-triphénylbenzimidazole afin de déterminer son mode d’assemblage dans la membrane phospholipidique, responsable de son efficacité à transporter les anions. Basé sur ces résultats, des analogues de cette molécule possédant des sites de complexation métallique ont été synthétisés afin d’augmenter l’efficacité de ces transporteurs benzimidazole et de contrôler leur auto-assemblage. Ces complexes ont été testés dans des membranes bactériennes afin d’étudier leur capacité à inhiber la croissance des bactéries et à diminuer la tolérance d’une souche bactérienne résistante envers les antibiotiques. Dans le second volet de cette thèse, nous avons étudié l’utilisation de dérivés parapluies capables de changer de conformation dépendamment de la polarité du solvant, pour le transport d’anions et de macrocycles. La synthèse et la caractérisation d’un nouvel axe et son dimère parapluie sont rapportées dans cette partie. Leur capacité à transporter les anions à travers la membrane des liposomes ou leur insertion dans des membranes bactériennes ont été étudiées. Les premiers essais de synthèses de rotaxanes à partir de ces dérivés parapluies pour le transport de macrocycle biologiquement actif sont rapportés. / The development of compounds able to transport molecules through cellular membranes is an emerging area of chemistry and biochemistry. Several diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, are the result of a dysfunction of chloride and bicarbonate transport across cellular membranes. In the last few years, new families of synthetic transmembrane transporters were developed in order to restore chloride transport. However, the synthesis of supramolecular systems for the transport of large molecules from one side to the other one of the lipid bilayer remains a challenge. Herein we present two different systems: one for chloride transport and a second one that combines the transport of ions and biologically active macrocycles through cellular membranes. We first present the anionophoric potential of benzimidazole derivatives. Mechanistic studies were conducted on 2,4,7-triphenylbenzimidazole to determine its self-assembly in a phospholipid membrane and its capacity to transport anions. Two analogues possessing metal coordination sites were also developed and studied for their anion transport properties, as well for the formation of metal-organic assemblies. These complexes were studied in bacterial membranes for their ability to inhibit bacterial growth and to reduce the tolerance of a resistant strain to antibiotics. In the second part of this thesis, we present the use of umbrella compounds that are able to change their conformation depending on the polarity of the environment. The synthesis and characterization of a new umbrella thread and its dimer are reported in this section. Their ability to transport anions through liposomal membranes or their insertion into more complex bacterial membranes are studied. The first attempts to assemble rotaxanes with the umbrella compounds and an active macrocycle are presented.

No description available.

Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, das Potenzial von p-tert-Butyltetramercaptotetrathiacalix[4]aren (H4(MTC[4])) zum Aufbau von mehrkernigen Komplexen mit weichen Metallionen mit d10-Elektronenkonfiguration zu untersuchen. H4(MTC[4]) bietet im Vergleich zum bekannteren p-tert-Butylcalix[4]aren erweiterte Bindungsmöglichkeiten für Metallionen an den Thioetherbrücken. Die Funktion der Metallionen Cu(I) und Zn(II) in biologischen Systemen lieferte die anfängliche Inspiration, jedoch erschien auch die Untersuchung anderer Metalle wie Nickel, Silber und Gold in Verbindung mit (MTC[4])4- Liganden lohnenswert, da diese Metalle durch ihre jeweils bevorzugten Koordinationsgeometrien neue Strukturen und Koordinationsmöglichkeiten an H4(MTC[4]) aufzeigen könnten. In Experimenten mit Kupfer(I)-Ionen konnten der Kupferkomplex [(Ph3PCu)4(MTC[4])] sowie das Hexamer [Cu4(MTC[4])]6 hergestellt und charakterisiert werden. [Cu4(MTC[4])]6 weist eine einzigartige, supramolekulare, hohle Cu24S48-Käfigstruktur auf. Die [Cu4(MTC[4])]-Einheiten werden durch Cu2S2-Motive verknüpft, die extrem kurze Cu···Cu-Abstände aufweisen. Durch NMR-Experimente wurde gezeigt, dass die Hohlräume von [Cu4(MTC[4])]6 in Lösung Acetonitril und Methan aufnehmen können. In Experimenten mit Silber(I)-Ionen wurden die Molekülstrukturen der Silberkomplexe [(Ph3PAg)2AgH(MTC[4])], [(Ph3PAg)4AgCl(MTC[4])] und [(Ph3PAg)4(MTC[4])] bestimmt. Diese zeigen, dass H4(MTC[4]) gegenüber Silber- und Kupferionen ein ähnliches Koordinationsverhalten aufweist. In Experimenten mit Gold(I)-vorläufern war es möglich, zu steuern, wie viele Metallionen ein einzelnes Molekül H4(MTC[4]) koordiniert. Die Komplexe [(Ph3PAu)2H2(MTC[4])], [(Me3PAu)3H(MTC[4])] und [(Me3PAu)4TlCl(MTC[4])] wurden synthetisiert. Diese bieten teilweise durch vorhandene freie Thiolfunktionen Potenzial für die Synthese heterometallischer Komplexe. / It was the aim of this work, to assess the potential of p-tert-Butyltetramercaptotetrathiacalix[4]arene (H4(MTC[4])) to create multinuclear complexes with soft metal ions of d10 electron configuration. In contrast to the more known p-tert-Butylcalix[4]aren, H4(MTC[4]) offers extended possibilities for the coordination of metal ions at the thioether groups. While this work was initially inspired by the function of Cu(I) and Zn(II) ions in biological systems, the metal ions, which were incorporated into the Calixarene, were soon expanded by Ni(II), Ag(I) and Au(I) ions. Through their different preferred coordination geometries, these metal ions could yield new information about coordination modes of H4(MTC[4]). In experiments with copper(I) ions the complex [(Ph3PCu)4(MTC[4])] and the hexamer [Cu4(MTC[4])]6 were synthesized and characterized. [Cu4(MTC[4])]6 consists of a unique, supramolecular hollow Cu24S48 cage structure. The [Cu4(MTC[4])] units are connected by Cu2S2 motivs, which display extraordinary short Cu···Cu distances. An investigation by NMR spectroscopy indicated that the cavities of [Cu4(MTC[4])] in solution can hold acetonitrile or methane molecules. In experiments with silver(I) ions, the molecular structures of the compounds [(Ph3PAg)2AgH(MTC[4])], [(Ph3PAg)4AgCl(MTC[4])] and [(Ph3PAg)4(MTC[4])] were determined. In these compounds H4(MTC[4]) exhibits a similar coordination behaviour towards Ag(I) ions as it does towards Cu(I) ions. In experiments with gold(I) precursors it was possible to control how many gold(I) ions were coordinated by H4(MTC[4]). The complexes [(Ph3PAu)2H2(MTC[4])], [(Me3PAu)3H(MTC[4])] and [(Me3PAu)4TlCl(MTC[4])] were synthesized and studied. Due to their free thiol functions, they are potential precursors for the synthesis of heterometallic complexes.

[Formulae and special characters can only be approximated here. Please see the pdf version of the Abstract for an accurate reproduction.] Several inert platinum complexes were synthesised: [(en)Pt([special character]-dpzm)2Pt(en)]4+, [{Pt(dien)}2[special character]-dpzm]4+, [{Pt(dien)}2[special character]-H2N-(CH2)6-NH2]4+, cis-[(NH3)2Pt([special character]--dpzm)2Pt(NH3)2]4+, trans-[Pt(NH3)2([special character]-dpzm)2]2+. Three active complexes, all with chloro ligands, were also synthesised: trans-[{Pt(NH3)Cl2}2[special character]-dpzm)], trans-[{Pt(NH3)2Cl}2[special character]-dpzm]2+ (di-Pt) and trans-[trans-{Pt(NH3)2Cl}2{trans-[Pt(NH3)2([special character]-dpzm)2]}]4+ (tri-Pt). 1H NMR established that multi-nuclear platinum complexes will preferentially associate in the DNA minor groove with a preference for A/T sequences, and with a binding constant [special character]-105 M-1, regardless of the charge, linking ligand, length or shape. Using [(en)Pt([special character]-dpzm)2Pt(en)]4+ and the oligonucleotide d(GC)5 it was determined that the metal complex binds G/C rich sequences also in the minor groove, but with a much reduced binding constant, 103 M-1. CD studies showed [(en)Pt([special character]-dpzm)2Pt(en)]4+ was able to induce a DNA conformation change from B-type to what appeared to be a partial Z-type. Transcription assays showed that even though the metal complex does not bind DNA covalently, it is still able to inhibit DNA transcription at particular sites. The complexes di-Pt, tri-Pt, [{Pt(dien)}2[special character]-dpzm]4+ and trans-[Pt(NH3)2([special character]-dpzm)2]2+ were tested for anti-cancer activity in the L1210 murine leukaemia cell line, and gave values of 3.8, 2.5, [special character]200 and 64 [special character]M respectively. In the cisplatin resistant line (L1210/DDP), trans-[Pt(NH3)2([special character]-dpzm)2]2+ showed an increase in activity with a drop to 32 [special character]M, while both di-Pt and tri-Pt showed decreases in activity to values of 8.8 and 3.6 [special character]M. In the human ovarian carcinoma 2008 cell line and its cisplatin resistant derivative C13[special character]5, both complexes showed good activity with values of 2.5 and 20.9 [special character]M respectively, but again both showed decreases in activity in the resistant line with values of 17.8 and 37.7 [special character]M respectively. To help explain the difference between activity of these complexes and the complexes BBR3464 and BBR3005, cell uptake and DNA interstrand cross-linking experiments were performed. The cell uptake studies showed that both di-Pt and tri-Pt are taken up by cells at very high levels, when administered at 100 [special character]M, thus indicating that the difference is unlikely to be due to large differences in cell uptake. The DNA interstrand cross-linking studies showed both complexes readily form interstrand adducts (50% interstrand cross-linking at 12 nM and 22 nM respectively, c.f cisplatin 3 [special character]M). These results suggest that the rigid nature of the dpzm linker may be affecting the DNA adducts formed, with more interstrand links being formed than BBR3464. Possibly, it is this that causes the large differences in cytotoxicity. The DNA binding of di-Pt and tri-Pt was examined with the nucleosides adenosine and guanosine and the dinucleotide d(GpG). Both complexes bound at the N7 of guanosine, but 2-fold slower than cisplatin. In addition, di-Pt bound at the N7 and either the N1 or N3 of adenosine, 7-fold slower than guanosine. Di-Pt forms a large variety of cross-links between two d(GpG) molecules, however it could not be established whether the 1,2-intrastrand adduct could be formed. Di-Pt, however, forms a 1,2-GG interstrand adduct with the oligonucleotide d(ATGCAT)2 resulting in a conformation change away from B-type DNA. The sugar pucker of the G3 nucleoside changes from 2[special character]-endo towards 3[special character]-endo, and the position of the nucleotide relative to the sugar changes from anti to syn. The ability of multi-nuclear platinum complexes to form covalent adducts in the DNA minor groove remains unclear. It appears that di-Pt can form up to 33% minor groove adducts with the oligonucleotide d(AT)5, but when added to the oligonucleotide d(GCCAAATTTCCG)2 no definite minor groove adducts are seen and the major adduct appears to be a 1,2-interstrand cross-link between the two A6's or between the G1 and G11. Finally, a study of the encapsulation of platinum complexes within cucurbit[7]uril (Q7) as a means of reducing drug toxicity was made. For complex A and di-Pt, encapsulation of the linker ligand occurred. The effect of Q7 on the rate of hydrolysis of di-Pt was at least a 3-fold reduction as compared to free di-Pt with guanosine. Studies with [{Pt(dien)}2[special character]-dpzm]4+/Q7 and the oligonucleotide d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 showed that the metal complex could dissociate from the Q7 and associate with the oligonucleotide, where an equilibrium is achieved with 15 % of the metal complex bound to the oligonucleotide and 75 % encapsulated in Q7. Tests in the L1210 and L1210/DDP cancer cell lines showed that di-Pt/Q7 has almost the same activity compared to free di-Pt.