Synthetic ion channels in bilayer membranes.
Natural ion channels are large protein complexes that regulate key functions of cells. Supramolecular chemists have been able to take hints from Nature to design and prepare completely synthetic ion channel systems that reproduce many of the fundamental functions of natural channels. This tutorial review introduces the field to non-specialists. It examines the design, synthesis, incorporation, and characterization of synthetic ion channels in bilayer membranes, and points to potential applications of synthetic ion channels.
Fyles
Thomas M
TM
Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria BC, CanadaV8W 3P6. tmf@uvic.ca
D007473:Ion Channels / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D017136:Ion Transport; D007476:Ionophores / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000378:metabolism*; D008968:Molecular Conformation
D007473:Ion Channels; D007476:Ionophores; D008051:Lipid Bilayers