Characterization and biological studies of a new platinum(II) complex with the amino acid L-alliin

Synthesis and characterization of a new Pt(II) complex with the amino acid L-alliin (S-allyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide, C6H11NO3S) are described. Elemental and mass spectrometric analyses of the solid complex are consistent with [PtCl2(alliin)], or [PtCl2(C6H11NO3S)]. C-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), [H-1-N-15] two dimensional (2D) NMR and infrared spectroscopy indicate coordination of the ligand to Pt(II) through the N and S atoms. The complex is very soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide. Biological analysis for evaluation of a potential cytotoxic effect of the complex was performed using HeLa cells derived from human cervical adenocarcinoma. The complex presented moderate cytotoxic activity, inducing about 40% cell death at a concentration of 400 mol L-1.