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

Abstract

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.