COLL 49 |
| Macrocyclic polyether compounds are excellent cation binders and their complexation behavior has been extensively studied during three decades. We have incorporated macrocycles into structures that we have developed for use as model cation-conducting transmembrane channels. These compounds transport H+, Na+, K+ through phospholipid membranes. Sodium transport has been assessed by dynamic 23Na-NMR methods and proton flux has been measured by fluorescence techniques. Sodium and potassium fluxes have been determined in certain cases by bilayer clamp methods in phospholipid bilayers. Hydraphile channels are currently thought to form water- and sodium-filled pores through the bilayer. As such, they may affect cellular osmotic balance when present in the plasma membrane. Toxicity has been correlated with channel length and some organism selectivity has been observed. The structure, function, and toxicity profiles of various synthetic ion channels will be discussed. |
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Advances in Nanomedicine
8:30 AM-12:20 PM, Sunday, 10 September 2006 Sir Francis Drake -- Monterey/Cypress Rooms, Oral
Division of Colloid & Surface Chemistry |