Biomimetic Transmembrane Channels with High Stability and Transporting Efficiency from Helically Folded Macromolecules

Abstract

Membrane channels span the cellular lipid bilayers to transport ions and molecules into cells with sophisticated properties including high efficiency and selectivity. It is of particular biological importance in developing biomimetic transmembrane channels with unique functions by means of chemically synthetic strategies. An artificial unimolecular transmembrane channel using pore‐containing helical macromolecules is reported. The self‐folding, shape‐persistent, pore‐containing helical macromolecules are able to span the lipid bilayer, and thus result in extraordinary channel stability and high transporting efficiency for protons and cations. The lifetime of this artificial unimolecular channel in the lipid bilayer membrane is impressively long, rivaling those of natural protein channels. Natural channel mimics designed by helically folded polymeric scaffolds will display robust and versatile transport‐related properties at single‐molecule level.

Helical supramolecular polymer nanotubes with wide lumen for glucose transport: towards the development of functional membrane-spanning channels

“…However, they are generally elusive and rebellious because of their sensitive conformation 7. Therefore, numerous artificial nanochannels have been developed so as to simulate the action mode of membrane protein channels 8–11. In fact, it is of biological importance to build a biomimetic nanochannel with desired properties, which will not only help to understand the nature of biological pores but also to provide advanced porous materials.…”

DNA-based artificial molecular signaling system that mimics basic elements of reception and response

“…Although this is used as a potential platform, the lack of inherent complexity found in natural cell membranes requires a more biomimetic platform. Compared to other artificial ion channels [28][29][30][31] , this simple and small functional DNA nanostructure is easily designed and economical, and reveals wide mimetic applications.…”

Making Molecular and Macromolecular Helical Tubes: Covalent and Noncovalent Approaches

“…28,29 The same group further prepared polymers P39b and P39c , which were more soluble in organic solvents because of the introduction of longer n -dodecyl chains. 69 P39b had M n of 18700 and PDI of 1.21. Again, both polymers were found to form helical conformations in organic solvents.…”