Magnetic Gated Biomimetic Artificial Nanochannels for Controllable Ion Transportation Inspired by Homing Pigeon

Abstract

The homing pigeon-inspired artificial nanochannel can be modulated by moderate magnetic field in a fast and noncontacting way. The ionic current, as well as rectifying ability and conductance is controlled by the magnetic field reversibly through elastic deformation of the nanochannel. Different gating effects are obtained at the two sides of the asymmetrically conical nanochannel due to the different response models. The magnetic gated nanochannel system also exhibits an excellent stability and a quick response in a noncontacting way, which may be promising in electronic devices related to biological or healthcare applications.

Keywords: artificial nanochannels; biomimetic materials; homing pigeons; ion transportation; magnetic gating.