Catalytic nanomedicine: A new field in antitumor treatment using supported platinum nanoparticles. In vitro DNA degradation and in vivo tests with C6 animal model on Wistar rats

Novel nanostructured TiO2 and SiO2 based biocatalysts, with 3–4 wt. % of Pt have been developed. The obtained materials exhibit a high surface area together with a broad pore size distribution. The method of synthesis allowed obtaining high dispersed platinum metal nanoparticles. In vitro DNA reactivity test of the biocatalysts were carried out by electrophoresis and formation of DNA adducts was observed. The most active biocatalyst was H2PtCl6/SiO2. These biocatalysts were also tested in an experimental model of C6 brain tumours in Wistar rats. Administration of the material was made by stereotactic brain surgery to place it directly in the malignant tissue. A significant decrease in tumour size and weight as well as morphologic changes in cancer cells were observed.