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Published on: May 3, 2021
Selective Nitrate Transmembrane Transport Through Adaptive Weak C─H Bonding Cyanostilbene Water Channels
Ioan Stroia1,2, Dan-Dan Su1, Yuhao Li1
1Institut Européen des Membrane, Adaptive Supramolecular Nanosystems Group, University of Montpellier, ENSCM, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|May 11, 2026
Summary
Weak hydrogen bonding in cyanostilbene channels enhances water transport across membranes. This approach optimizes water translocation while enabling selective nitrate (NO3-) over chloride (Cl-) ion transport.
Area of Science:
- Membrane biophysics and transport phenomena.
- Supramolecular chemistry and host-guest interactions.
- Materials science for selective ion and water channel design.
Background:
- Transmembrane water and ion transport are crucial biological processes.
- Hydrogen-bonding (HB) interactions within channels dictate transport dynamics.
- Optimizing water permeability while controlling ion selectivity remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of weak HB binding sites in modulating water and ion transport.
- To design and synthesize cyanostilbene derivatives as adaptive transmembrane channels.
- To explore the relationship between HB strength, binding geometry, and transport selectivity.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of novel cyanostilbene derivatives with tunable HB donor strengths.
- Incorporation of these molecules into lipid bilayers to form transmembrane channels.
- Electrophysiological and spectroscopic techniques to measure water and ion flux.
- Computational modeling to understand water cluster dynamics and binding interactions.
Main Results:
- Weak HB CH donor cyanostilbenes promote efficient water transport through adaptive, less-ordered channels.
- Water translocation efficiency correlates with the strength of the CH donor sites.
- Fine-tuning of HB donor strength and binding geometry allows precise control over anion selectivity.
- Achieved over 200-fold selectivity for nitrate (NO3-) over chloride (Cl-) and ~100-fold for NO3- over bromide (Br-).
- Demonstrated exclusive water transport in some systems with no detectable Cl- or Br- transport.
Conclusions:
- Weak HB interactions are key to enhancing water friction reduction and promoting water permeation.
- Adaptive transmembrane channels based on HB CH donors offer a promising strategy for selective water and ion transport.
- This work provides a foundation for developing advanced materials for water purification and anion separation, particularly for nitrate/chloride selectivity.
Keywords:
CH donorsanion transportartificial water channelsnitrate‐selective transportself‐assembled channelsMore Related Videos
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