Inspired by the nontrivial and controlled movements of molecular machines, we report an azobenzene-based molecular shuttle PR2, which can perform light-gated ion transport across lipid membranes. The amphiphilicity and membrane-spanning molecular length enable PR2 to insert into the bilayer membrane and efficiently transport K (EC =4.1 μm) through the thermally driven stochastic shuttle motion of the crown ether ring along the axle. The significant difference in shuttling rate between trans-PR2 and cis-PR2 induced by molecular isomerization enables a light-gated ion transport, i.e., ON/OFF in situ regulation of transport activity and single-channel current. This work represents an example of using a photoswitchable molecular machine to realize gated ion transport, which demonstrates the value of molecular machines functioning in biomembranes.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.202102838 | DOI Listing |
Glycoconj J
January 2025
Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, Milan, Italy.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening hereditary disease resulting from mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene that encodes a chloride channel essential for ion transport in epithelial cells. Mutations in CFTR, notably the prevalent F508del mutation, impair chloride transport, severely affecting the respiratory system and leading to recurrent infections. Recent therapeutic advancements include CFTR modulators such as ETI, a combination of two correctors (Elexacaftor and Tezacaftor) and a potentiator (Ivacaftor), that can improve CFTR function in patients with the F508del mutation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPlant Physiol
January 2025
Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Understanding the molecular mechanisms of abiotic stress responses in plants is instrumental for the development of climate-resilient crops. Key factors in abiotic stress responses, such as the proton- pumping pyrophosphatase (AVP1), have been identified, but their function and regulation remain elusive. Here, we explored the post-translational regulation of AVP1 by the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UBC34 and its relevance in the salt stress and phosphate starvation responses of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAcc Chem Res
January 2025
Center for Molecular Spectroscopy and Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 02841, Korea.
ConspectusWater-in-salt electrolytes (WiSEs) are promising electrolytes for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), offering critical advantages like nonflammability and improved safety. These electrolytes have extremely high salt concentrations and exhibit unique solvation structures and transport mechanisms dominated by the formation of ion networks and aggregates. These ion networks are central to the performance of WiSEs, govern the transport properties and stability of the electrolyte, deviating from conventional dilute aqueous or organic electrolytes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFACS Appl Mater Interfaces
January 2025
Research Center of Resource Chemistry and Energy Materials, Key Laboratory of Clay Mineral of Gansu, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, P.R. China.
Clay minerals show significant potential as fillers in polymer composite solid electrolytes (CSEs), whereas the influence of their microstructures on lithium-ion (Li) transport properties remains insufficiently understood. Herein, we design advanced poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based CSEs incorporating clay minerals with diverse microstructures including 1D halloysite nanotubes, 2D Laponite (Lap) nanosheets, and 3D porous diatomite. These minerals form distinct Li transport pathways at the clay-PEO interfaces due to their varied structural configurations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSmall
January 2025
Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China.
A novel polymer electrolyte based on CsPbI quantum dots (QDs) reinforced polyacrylonitrile (PAN), named as PIL, is exploited to address the low room-temperature (RT) ion conductivity and poor interfacial compatibility of polymer solid-state electrolytes. After optimizing the content of CsPbI QDs, RT ion conductivity of PIL largely increased from 0.077 to 0.
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