Recent advances in the design and applications of platinum-based supramolecular architectures and macromolecules

Platinum complexes have attracted increasing attention because of their intriguing photophysical and anticancer activities. They are considered excellent building blocks for supramolecular assembly via π···π stacking, Pt···Pt and other non-covalent interactions. We have summarized the progress of platinum(II)/(IV)-based supramolecular networks, polymers and dendrimers by diverse assembling modes. Supramolecular platinum based-diimine, terpyridine, and organoplatinum complexes including σ-acetylide compounds are discussed. The introduction of supramolecular assembly involving non-covalent interactions could lead to research dimensions of unlimited possibilities and opportunities, such as response to environmental stimuli. The oxidative addition of organoplatinum(II) complexes with organohalide promoted the formation of a variety of organoplatinum polymers and supramolecular structures. Various classes of polymers with the metallic moieties in the backbone or pendent to the backbone are discussed and their properties are illustrated. While dendrimers were developed in the early 1980′s, platinum-containing dendrimers have been first reported in 1994. This review highlights the design and applications of this emerging class of macromolecules and the importance of the new generation of platinum macromolecules as anticancer drugs is highlighted. The majority of the new generation of platinum-based anticancer drugs principally relies on the platinum supramolecular, polymer and dendrimer nano drug delivery systems, which reveal better antitumor effects with negligible toxicities to major organs. The oxidative addition of cisplatin with hydrogen peroxide, and the subsequent nucleophilic reaction affords a variety of efficient functionalized Pt(IV) prodrugs followed by host–guest assembly. These new drug delivery systems are intracellular reduction-responsive with controlled release of cisplatin upon entering the cells.