Suppression of Malachite Green-Induced Toxicity to Human Liver Cells Utilizing Host-Guest Chemistry of Cucurbit[7]uril.

We investigated a host-guest complex between cucurbit[7]uril and malachite green, and its effect on the toxicity to human liver cells. The host-guest complexation was evaluated by a UV/vis titration and electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry. Interestingly, the host-guest complex resulted in remarkable suppression of the toxicity of malachite green in its practical concentration range (ca. ∼6 μM). This study is one step forward to the active control of the biological effects of potent toxicants utilizing host-guest chemistry.