Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026
10:33
Generation of Alginate Microspheres for Biomedical Applications
Published on: August 12, 2012
21.8K
Supramolecular macrocyclic artificial ion channels for biomedical applications
Yamin Liu1, Dao Shi1, Bowen Li1
1Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
Fundamental Research
|January 30, 2026
Summary
Researchers are developing artificial ion channels (AICs) inspired by nature using macrocyclic molecules. These biocompatible AICs show promise for biomedical applications, including antibacterial and anticancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Biological ion channels are crucial for cellular homeostasis and physiological functions.
- Artificial ion channels (AICs) are engineered mimics of biological channels.
- Macrocyclic molecules offer advantages for designing biocompatible and customizable AICs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in bioinspired artificial ion channels (AICs) based on macrocycles.
- To highlight the molecular design, structural modulation, and ion transport capabilities of these AICs.
- To explore the biomedical applications of macrocycle-based AICs.
Main Methods:
- Overview of biological ion channel significance and AIC fabrication strategies.
- Detailed examination of macrocycle-based AIC design and ion transport mechanisms.
- Exploration of diverse biomedical applications, including therapeutic and diagnostic uses.
Main Results:
- Macrocycle-based AICs demonstrate tunable ion transport properties.
- These AICs exhibit potential in antibacterial, anticancer, and biosensing applications.
- Significant progress has been made in tailoring AIC structures for specific functions.
Conclusions:
- Macrocycle-based AICs represent a promising platform for bioinspired materials.
- Further research into challenges and prospects will drive innovation in AIC development.
- These artificial channels hold potential for revolutionizing treatments for channelopathies and other diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Ion Channels
91.4K
The movement of ions like sodium, potassium, and calcium into and out of the cell is essential to maintain the electrochemical gradient in living cells. The ion channels—a class of membrane transport proteins—help maintain this ionic gradient for the smooth functioning of physiological activities such as maintaining cell size and volume, conducting nerve impulses, and gas and nutrient exchange.
Ion channels are specialized integral membrane proteins on the plasma membrane that allow...
Ion channels are specialized integral membrane proteins on the plasma membrane that allow...
91.4K
01:24Non-gated Ion Channels
8.2K
Ion channels are specialized proteins on the plasma membrane that allow charged ions to pass down their electrochemical gradient. Their main function is to maintain the membrane potential which is critical for cell viability. These channels are either gated or non-gated and can transport more than a thousand ions within milliseconds for the cellular event to occur.
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism....
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism....
8.2K
01:12Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
7.7K
Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...
7.7K
01:19Ligand-gated Ion Channels
14.3K
Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins with a channel for ions to pass through and a binding site for a ligand. The channel opens only when a ligand attaches to the binding site.
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that...
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that...
14.3K
01:26Voltage-gated Ion Channels
10.8K
Voltage-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that open and close in response to changes in the membrane potential. They are present on the membranes of all electrically excitable cells such as neurons, heart, and muscle cells.
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
10.8K
01:21G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
5.7K
GPCRs are primarily responsible for our sense of smell, taste, and vision. The binding of a sensory stimulus activates GPCR to stimulate effector proteins, many of which are ion channels in the sensory organs. GPCRs modulate the opening and closing of the target ion channels either directly by binding them, or by releasing second messengers that activate these channels. As ions move across the membrane, the membrane potential is altered, which induces an appropriate response.
Sensory...
Sensory...
5.7K