Cytotoxic effects of cadmium in mammary epithelial cells: Protective role of the macrocycle [15]pyN5

► Cd is cytotoxic to human mammary cells (MCF10A) decreasing cell viability and proliferation in a dose response manner. ► The macrocycle [15]pyN5 presents appropriate chemical and thermodynamic features to be used as a Cd chelator. ► [15]pyN5 markedly counteracted the cytotoxic effects induced by Cd.