Real time detection of live microbes using a highly sensitive bioluminescent nitroreductase probe.

A highly sensitive and selective nitroreductase probe, showing a rapid and strong bioluminescence enhancement (>100-fold in 5 minutes), and its initial application in the real time detection of both Gram positive and Gram negative live bacteria and monitoring of their growth has been reported.

A small synthetic molecule forms selective potassium channels to regulate cell membrane potential and blood vessel tone.

In living cell membranes, K(+) permeability is higher than that of other ions such as Na(+) and Cl(-) owing to abundantly expressed K(+) channels. Polarized membrane potential is mainly established by K(+) outward flow because the K(+) concentration in the intracellular side is much higher than that in the extracellular side. We have found that the small synthetic molecule 1 is capable of self-assembling into selective K(+) channels, enhancing K(+) permeability and hyperpolarizing liposome membrane potential.

A synthetic chloride channel relaxes airway smooth muscle of the rat.

Synthetic ion channels may have potential therapeutic applications, provided they possess appropriate biological activities. The present study was designed to examine the ability of small molecule-based synthetic Cl(-) channels to modulate airway smooth muscle responsiveness. Changes in isometric tension were measured in rat tracheal rings.