Tip funnel-shaped nanochannels sensor for high-flux chloride transport inspired by CLC

Inspired by the efficient chloride ion (Cl^-) transport of CLC proteins, this study rapidly assembled NH₂-S-P5 molecules at the narrow tip of the funnel-shaped nanochannel through the high efficiency and rapidity of host-guest interactions, successfully constructing a biomimetic membrane nanochannel with high selectivity recognition and high-throughput chloride ion transport, and achieving efficient transmembrane transport. The results demonstrate that the Cl^- transport flux of the channel membrane under electric field drive reaches 988.63 ± 33.91 nmol cm^-2 h^-1, which is approximately one-third of the transport flux level of natural CLC proteins. The core mechanism underlying this excellent performance lies in the assembly of NH₂-S-P5 at the narrow tip of the nanochannels, which generates a high potential difference within the channels and provides a key driving force for the high-flux transport of Cl^-. This study not only provides a reliable chemical model for understanding the ion-selective transport mechanisms of biological systems such as CLC proteins but also may offer new possibilities for further exploration of their applications in intelligent agriculture, ion sensors, ion separation, and seawater desalination, among other fields.