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Biomimetic Approach for Highly Selective Artificial Water Channels Based on Tubular Pillar[5]arene Dimers
Author(s) -
Strilets Dmytro,
Fa Shixin,
Hardiagon Arthur,
Baaden Marc,
Ogoshi Tomoki,
Barboiu Mihail
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.202009219
Subject(s) - bilayer , membrane , water transport , permeation , pillar , molecule , lipid bilayer , chemistry , chemical physics , aquaporin , chemical engineering , materials science , water flow , organic chemistry , structural engineering , biochemistry , environmental engineering , engineering
Artificial water channels mimicking natural aquaporins (AQPs) can be used for selective and fast transport of water. Here, we quantify the transport performances of peralkyl‐carboxylate‐pillar[5]arenes dimers in bilayer membranes. They can transport ≈10 7 water molecules/channel/second, within one order of magnitude of the transport rates of AQPs, rejecting Na + and K + cations. The dimers have a tubular structure, superposing pillar[5]arene pores of 5 Å diameter with twisted carboxy‐phenyl pores of 2.8 Å diameter. This biomimetic platform, with variable pore dimensions within the same structure, offers size restriction reminiscent of natural proteins. It allows water molecules to selectively transit and prevents bigger hydrated cations from passing through the 2.8 Å pore. Molecular simulations prove that dimeric or multimeric honeycomb aggregates are stable in the membrane and form water pathways through the bilayer. Over time, a significant shift of the upper vs. lower layer occurs initiating new unexpected water permeation events through toroidal pores.