Cucurbit[8]uril is a highly effective and safe supramolecular compound that promotes protein heterodimerization. It selectively induces the heterodimerization of methylviologen and naphthalene functionalized proteins, demonstrating its specificity and versatility. Additionally, Cucurbit[8]uril shows exceptional oral activity and low toxicity, making it a promising candidate for various pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications.

Cucurbit[8]uril (0~20 μM; 48 hours; CHO-K1 cells) marginally reduces cell viability to 86%[2]. It selectively induces heterodimerization of MV-eYFP with Np-eCFP and high energy transfer between the proteins, observed only with all three supramolecular components forming the ternary complex. Cucurbit[8]uril inhibits unspecific protein assembly induced by methylviologen and enables the formation of selective protein heterodimers with more hydrophobic proteins. It prevents MV-induced unspecific dimerization with hydrophobic protein surfaces[1].

Cucurbit[8]uril exhibits minimal toxicity when administered either intravenously or orally in mice, as demonstrated by in vivo studies[2].