AND molecular logic gates based on host-guest complexation operational in live cells

We report supramolecular AND logic gates based on host-guest complexation between acid-labile acyclic cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) molecular container and NaClO-responsive dye. Supramolecular AND logic gate is turned on due to acid-triggered degradation of molecular container and the release of the dye, followed by NaClO-induced fluorescence switch on effect of the dye. The reason for AND molecular logic gate is discovered to be the combination of oxidation inhibition and fluorescence switch off effect. Supramolecular AND logic gate is confirmed to be operational in live MCF-7 and HeLa cancer cells. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Automated summary

In this study, supramolecular AND logic gates based on host-guest complexation between acid-labile acyclic cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) molecular container and NaClO-responsive dye were reported. The supramolecular AND logic gate is activated by the acid-triggered degradation of the molecular container and the release of the dye, followed by the NaClO-induced fluorescence switch on effect of the dye. It has been confirmed that the supramolecular AND logic gate is operational in live MCF-7 and HeLa cancer cells.