Benzoxaboroles as dynamic covalent receptors for bioconjugation and transport of nucleosides and related drugs: Proof of action in HeLa cells.

•Evidence of binding between benzoxaborole and pharmacological agents.•Novel spectroscopic approach to study benzoxaborole and analyte binding.•Significant differences in the cytotoxicity of the Benzoxaborole-drug conjugates.•Near-infrared emissive boronolectin for conjugation and tracking.