Supramolecular Palladium Complexes Based on Guanidinium Pillar[5]arene for Cancer Therapy

Abstract

The supramolecular palladium complex G-Pd, formed via self-assembly of Pd-complex of guanidinium pillar[5]arene with Pd²⁺, was used to encapsulate doxorubicin to G-Pd@DOX. The nanoparticles exhibit responsiveness to glutathione, controlled drug release, ability to damage mitochondria, and potent anticancer activity while maintaining low toxicity towards normal cells. This work provides a good example for the application of pillararene-based palladium complexes in cancer therapy, and is significant for discovery of new medicine from supramolecular coordination complexes.