A guanidiniocarbonyl-pyrrole functionalized cucurbit[7]uril derivative as a cytomembrane disruptor for synergistic antibacterial therapy†

The antibiotic resistance of bacterial membranes poses a significant threat to global public health, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic agents and strategies to combat bacterial membranes. In response, we have developed a novel macrocyclic host molecule (GCPCB) based on guanidiniocarbonyl-pyrrole (GCP) functionalized cucurbit[7]uril with an aggregation-induced luminescence effect. GCPCB exhibits high antimicrobial potency against bacterial membranes, particularly demonstrating strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive strains of S. aureus and Gram-negative strains of E. coli. Significantly, due to the strong binding between GCP and the bacterial membrane, GCPCB can effectively eradicate the bacteria encapsulated within. Furthermore, the formation of a host–guest complex between GCPCB and berberine hydrochloride (BH) not only enhances synergistic destructive activity against both species of bacteria but also provides a potential supramolecular platform for effective bacterial membrane destruction.