Rotaxanes as Cages to Control DNA Binding, Cytotoxicity and Cellular Uptake of a Small Molecule

In this paper we report a unique approach to control the DNA interactions, cellular uptake and cellular localisation of a small molecule. We have designed rotaxanes that include a luminescent DNA binder, a macrocycle that modulates the DNA binding and a stopper that can be cleaved by either light or the activity of an enzyme.