semiaza-Bambusurils are anion-specific transmembrane transporters

Chem Commun (Camb). 2022 Mar 3;58(19):3150-3153. doi: 10.1039/d2cc00144f.

Abstract

semiaza-Bambus[6]urils efficiently transport anions across lipid membranes. A systematic modification of their lipophilic side chains to include various alkyl groups and thioethers reveals that the most efficient chloride transporters are those that agree with Lipinski's rule-of-lipophilicity, exhibiting clog Po/w values close to 5. Furthermore, vesicle anion-transport assays show that the new anion-transporters are independent of the cation identity but exhibit high anion selectivity, NO3- > Br- > Cl- > SO42-, in agreement with the Hofmeister series. These findings will allow for the design of highly specific anion transporters for biomedical applications, particularly for managing anion channelopathies.

MeSH terms

  • Anions / chemistry
  • Anions / metabolism
  • Biological Transport
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Organic Anion Transporters / chemistry
  • Organic Anion Transporters / metabolism*
  • Urine / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anions
  • Organic Anion Transporters