Empty Helical Nanochannels with Adjustable Order from Low-Symmetry Macrocycles

摘要

Natural channel-forming structures are mandatory for connecting different compartments within a living organism. For instance, transmembrane proteins function as ion channels, transporters, or antibiotics. Biomacromolecules that are formed during evolution self-assemble into tubular structures with precisely defined positions of functional groups. The stimuli-responsive activity of these molecules has inspired the search for artificial channel-forming structures that can mimic the functionality of the natural systems.