DNA modification by cisplatin-like Pt(II) complexes containing 1,1′-binaphtyl-2,2′-diamine ligand does not correlate with their antiproliferative activity in cancer cells

•DNA binding modes of two chiral derivatives of cisplatin were described.•The chirality of the complexes markedly affects their DNA binding mode.•DNA binding does not translate into cellular processing and toxicity in cancer cells.•DNA damage is not a major factor accountable for biological actions of the complexes.