A Funnel-Shaped Chloride Nanochannel Inspired By ClC Protein

Super-assembled periodic mesoporous organosilica membranes with hierarchical channels for efficient glutathione sensing

Bioinspired nanochannel-based sensors have elicited significant interest because of their excellent sensing performance, and robust mechanical and tunable chemical properties. However, the existing designs face limitations due to material constraints, which hamper broader application possibilities. Herein, a heteromembrane system composed of a periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) layer with three-dimensional (3D) network nanochannels is constructed for glutathione (GSH) detection. The unique hierarchical pore architecture provides a large surface area, abundant reaction sites and plentiful interconnected pathways for rapid ionic transport, contributing to efficient and sensitive detection. Moreover, the thioether groups in nanochannels can be selectively cleaved by GSH to generate hydrophilic thiol groups. Benefiting from the increased hydrophilic surface, the proposed sensor achieves efficient GSH detection with a detection limit of 1.2 μM by monitoring the transmembrane ionic current and shows good recovery ranges in fetal bovine serum sample detection. This work paves an avenue for designing and fabricating nanofluidic sensing systems for practical and biosensing applications.

Artificial Funnel Nanochannel Device Emulates Synaptic Behavior

Creating artificial synapses that can interact with biological neural systems is critical for developing advanced intelligent systems. However, there are still many difficulties, including device morphology and fluid selection. Based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical System technologies, we utilized two immiscible electrolytes to form a liquid/liquid interface at the tip of a funnel nanochannel, effectively enabling a wafer-level fabrication, interactions between multiple information carriers, and electron-to-chemical signal transitions. The distinctive ionic transport properties successfully achieved a hysteresis in ionic transport, resulting in adjustable multistage conductance gradient and synaptic functions. Notably, the device is similar to biological systems in terms of structure and signal carriers, especially for the low operating voltage (200 mV), which matches the biological neural potential (∼110 mV). This work lays the foundation for realizing the function of iontronics neuromorphic computing at ultralow operating voltages and in-memory computing, which can break the limits of information barriers for brain-machine interfaces.

Ultralow Energy Consumption Angstrom-Fluidic Memristor

The emergence of nanofluidic memristors has made a giant leap to mimic the neuromorphic functions of biological neurons. Here, we report neuromorphic signaling using Angstrom-scale funnel-shaped channels with poly-l-lysine (PLL) assembled at nano-openings. We found frequency-dependent current-voltage characteristics under sweeping voltage, which represents a diode in low frequencies, but it showed pinched current hysteresis as frequency increases. The current hysteresis is strongly dependent on pH values but weakly dependent on salt concentration. We attributed the current hysteresis to the entropy barrier of PLL molecules entering and exiting the Angstrom channels, resulting in reversible voltage-gated open-close state transitions. We successfully emulated the synaptic adaptation of Hebbian learning using voltage spikes and obtained a minimum energy consumption of 2-23 fJ in each spike per channel. Our findings pave a new way to mimic neuronal functions by Angstrom channels in low energy consumption.

Smart organic materials based on macrocycle hosts

Innovative design of smart organic materials is of great importance for the advancement of modern technology. Macrocycle hosts, possessing cyclic skeletons, intrinsic cavities, and specific guest binding properties, have demonstrated pronounced potential for the elaborate fabrication of a variety of functional organic materials with smart stimuli-responsive characteristics. In this tutorial review, we outline the current development of smart organic materials based on macrocycle hosts as key building blocks, focusing on the design principles and functional mechanisms of the tailored systems. Three main types of macrocycle-based smart organic materials are exemplified as follows according to the distinct forms of construction patterns: (1) supramolecular polymeric materials and nanoassemblies; (2) adaptive molecular crystals; (3) smart porous organic materials. The responsive performances of macrocycle-containing smart materials in versatile aspects, including mechanically adaptive polymers, soft optoelectronic devices, data encryption, drug delivery systems, artificial transmembrane channels, crystalline-state gas adsorption/separation, and fluorescence sensing, are illustrated by discussing the representative studies as paradigms, where the roles of macrocycles in these systems are highlighted. We also provide in the conclusion part the perspectives and remaining challenges in this burgeoning field.

Neuron-Inspired Nanofluidic Biosensors for Highly Sensitive and Selective Imidacloprid Detection

Pesticides have caused concerns about food safety due to their residual effects in vegetables and fruits. Imidacloprid, as the frequently used neonicotinoid pesticide, could harm cardiovascular and respiratory function and cause reproductive toxicity in humans. Therefore, reliable methods for portable, selective, and rapid detection are desirable to develop. Herein, we report a neuron-inspired nanofluidic biosensor based on a tyrosine-modified artificial nanochannel for sensitively detecting imidacloprid. The functional tyrosine is modified on the outer surface of porous anodic aluminum oxide to rapidly capture imidacloprid through π-π interactions and hydrogen bonds. The integrated nanofluidic biosensor has a wide concentration range from 10-8 to 10-4 g/mL with an ultralow detection limit of 6.28 × 10-9 g/mL, which outperforms the state-of-the-art sensors. This work provides a new perspective on detecting imidacloprid residues as well as other hazardous pesticide residues in environmental and food samples.

Highly Selective Transport and Enrichment of Lithium Ions through Bionic Ion Pair Receptor Nanochannels

Inspired by ion pair cotransport channels in biological systems, a bionic nanochannel modified with lithium ion pair receptors is constructed for selective transport and enrichment of lithium ions (Li⁺). NH₂-pillar[5]arene (NP5) is chosen as ion pair receptors, and the theoretical simulation and NMR titration experiments illustrate that NP5 has good affinity for the ion pair of LiCl through a strong host-guest interaction at the molecular level. Due to the confinement effect and ion pair cooperation recognition, an NP5-based receptor was introduced into an artificial PET nanochannel. An I-V test indicated that the NP5 channel realized the highly selective recognition for Li⁺. Meanwhile, transmembrane transport and COMSOL simulation experiments proved that the NP5 channel achieved the transport and enrichment of Li⁺ through the cooperative interaction between NP5 and LiCl. Moreover, the receptor solution of transmembrane transport LiCl in the NP5 channel was used to cultivate wheat seedlings, which obviously promoted their growth. This nanochannel based on the ion pair recognition will be much useful for practical applications like metal ion extraction, enrichment, and recycle.

Electricity-Wettability Controlled Fast Transmission of Dopamine in Nanochannels

Achieving fast transmembrane transmission of molecules in organisms is a challenging problem. Inspired by the transport of Dopmine (DA) in organisms, the DA transporter (DAT) binds to DA in a way that has a ring recognition (the recognition group is the tryptophan group). Herein, D-Tryptophan-pillar[5]arene (D-Trp-P5) functionalized conical nanochannel is constructed to achieve fast transmission of DA. The D-Trp-P5 functionalized nanochannel enables specific wettability recognition of DA molecules and has great cycle stability. With the controlling of voltage to wettability, the transport flux of DA is up to 499.73 nmol cm^-2 h^-1 at -6 V, 16.88 times higher than that under positive voltages. In response to these results, a high-throughput DA transport device based on controlled electricity-wettability is provided.

An L-arginine-functionalized pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular photosensitizer for synergistically enhanced cancer therapeutic effectiveness

An L-arginine-functionalized pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular photosensitizer LAP5⊃NBSPD was constructed by host-guest interactions, which could self-assemble into nano-micelles to achieve effective delivery and selective release of LAP5 and NBS in cancer cells. In vitro studies revealed that LAP5⊃NBSPD NPs exhibited excellent cancer cell membrane disruption and ROS generation properties, which provides a novel route for synergistically enhanced cancer therapeutic effectiveness.

Rational design of mesoporous chiral MOFs as reactive pockets in nanochannels for enzyme-free identification of monosaccharide enantiomers

Monosaccharides play significant roles in daily metabolism in living organisms. Although various devices have been constructed for monosaccharide identification, most rely on the specificity of the natural enzyme. Herein, inspired by natural ionic channels, an asymmetrical MOF-in-nanochannel architecture is developed to discriminate monosaccharide enantiomers based on cascade reactions by combining oxidase-mimicking and Fenton-like catalysis in homochiral mesoporous CuMOF pockets. The identification performance is remarkably enhanced by the increased oxidase-mimicking activity of Au nanoparticles under a local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) excitation. The apparent steady-state kinetic parameters and nano-fluidic simulation indicate that the different affinities induced by Au-LSPR excitation and the confinement effect from MOF pockets precipitate the high chiral sensitivity. This study offers a promising strategy for designing an enantiomer discrimination device and helps to gain insight into the origin of stereoselectivity in a natural enzyme.

An H2S-Regulated Artificial Nanochannel Fabricated by a Supramolecular Coordination Strategy

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), as the third gasotransmitter, has an important impact on physiological and pathological activities. Herein, we fabricated an artificial nanochannel with a conductance value of 2.01 nS via a supramolecular coordination strategy. Benefiting from the unique H₂S-mediated covalent reaction, the nanochannel biosensor could change from ON to OFF states with the addition of H₂S. Furthermore, this nanochannel directed the ion transport, showing a high rectification ratio as well as gating ratio. Subsequently, theoretical simulations were conducted to help to reveal the possible mechanism of the functionalized nanochannel. This study can provide insights for better understanding the process of H₂S-regulated biological channels and fabricating gas gated nanofluids.

Specific extraction of nucleic acids employing pillar[6]arene-functionalized nanochannel platforms

The rapid extraction of high-purity nucleic acids from complex biological samples using conventional methods is complicated. Therefore, in this study, glycine-pillar[6]arene (Gly-P6)-functionalized tapered nanochannels were constructed using 32-mer single-stranded E. coli DNA (ssDNA) as a model sequence, which can selectively transport ssDNA by multiple noncovalent forces (transport flux of 2.65 nM cm^-2 h^-1) under the interference of amino acids and other substances. In view of these prospective results, the selective transport of nucleic acids with nanochannels could be applied in the design of nucleic acid enrichment and separation systems in the future.

Biomimetic Nanochannels: From Fabrication Principles to Theoretical Insights

Biological nanochannels which can regulate ionic transport across cell membranes intelligently play a significant role in physiological functions. Inspired by these nanochannels, numerous artificial nanochannels have been developed during recent years. The exploration of smart solid-state nanochannels can lay a solid foundation, not only for fundamental studies of biological systems but also practical applications in various fields. The basic fabrication principles, functional materials, and diverse applications based on artificial nanochannels are summarized in this review. In addition, theoretical insights into transport mechanisms and structure-function relationships are discussed. Meanwhile, it is believed that improvements will be made via computer-guided strategy in designing more efficient devices with upgrading accuracy. Finally, some remaining challenges and perspectives for developments in both novel conceptions and technology of this inspiring research field are stated.

Angstrom-scale ion channels towards single-ion selectivity

Artificial ion channels with ion permeability and selectivity comparable to their biological counterparts are highly desired for efficient separation, biosensing, and energy conversion technologies. In the past two decades, both nanoscale and sub-nanoscale ion channels have been successfully fabricated to mimic biological ion channels. Although nanoscale ion channels have achieved intelligent gating and rectification properties, they cannot realize high ion selectivity, especially single-ion selectivity. Artificial angstrom-sized ion channels with narrow pore sizes <1 nm and well-defined pore structures mimicking biological channels have accomplished high ion conductivity and single-ion selectivity. This review comprehensively summarizes the research progress in the rational design and synthesis of artificial subnanometer-sized ion channels with zero-dimensional to three-dimensional pore structures. Then we discuss cation/anion, mono-/di-valent cation, mono-/di-valent anion, and single-ion selectivities of the synthetic ion channels and highlight their potential applications in high-efficiency ion separation, energy conversion, and biological therapeutics. The gaps of single-ion selectivity between artificial and natural channels and the connections between ion selectivity and permeability of synthetic ion channels are covered. Finally, the challenges that need to be addressed in this research field and the perspective of angstrom-scale ion channels are discussed.

Electrochemiluminescent Ion-Channeling Framework for Membrane Binding and Transmembrane Activity Assays

Recent upgrades in the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) technique showcased its brilliant knack in probing microscopic biointerfacial events, many of which were actually underlain by the ionotropic membrane processes, yet not being ostensive. Here, by modeling an artificial lipoid-supported porin ensemble, we explore and establish the ECL potency in profiling ion-channel activities. A lipophilic hollowed construct dubbed ZnPC was made out of the dynamic covalent chemistry, and its unique geometry was characterized that configured stoichiometric ECL-emissive units in a cubic stance; while the aliphatic vertices of ZnPC helped it safely snorkel and steadily irradiate in a biofilm fusion. After expounding basic ECL properties, the brightness was traced out in response to halogen contents that was lit up by F^-/Cl^- but down by Br^-/I^-. The overall pattern fitted the Langmuir isotherm, from which the membrane-binding strengths of the four were analyzed, compared, and collaterally examined in impedimetrics. On the other hand, one could derive anionic transmembrane kinetics from the time-dependent ECL statistics that pinpointed the ECL signaling via the nanocage-directed mass-transfer pathway. More data mining unveiled an ECL-featured Hofmeister series and the thermodynamic governing force behind all scenes. Finally, combining with halide-selective fluorometry, the synthetic conduit was identified as an ECL symporter. In short, this work develops a novel ECL model for the evaluation of life-mimicking membrane permeation. It might intrigue the outreach of ECL applications in the measurement of diverse surface-confined transient scenarios, e.g., in vitro gated ion or molecule trafficking, which used to be handled by nanopore and electrofluorochromic assays.

Locally superengineered cascade recognition–quantification zones in nanochannels for sensitive enantiomer identification

As an intriguing and intrinsic feature of life, chirality is highly associated with many significant biological processes. Simultaneous recognition and quantification of enantiomers remains a major challenge. Here, a sensitive enantiomer identification device is developed on TiO₂ nanochannels via the design of cascade recognition–quantification zones along the nanochannels. In this system, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) is self-assembled on one side of the nanochannels for the selective recognition of enantiomers; CuMOFs are designed as the target-responsive partners on the other side of the nanochannels for the quantification of enantiomers that pass through the nanochannels. As a proof-of-principle of the cascade design, arginine (Arg) enantiomers are tested as the identification targets. The l-Arg molecules selectively bind in the recognition zone; d-Arg molecules pass through the recognition zone and then interact with the quantification zone via a specialized reduction reaction. As verified by nanofluidic simulations, because of the confinement effect of nanoscale channels combined with the condensation effect of porous structure, the in situ reaction in the quantification zone contributes to an unprecedented variation in transmembrane K⁺ flux, leading to an improved identification signal. This novel cascade-zone nanochannel membrane provides a smart strategy to design multifunctional nanofluidic devices.

A design of the cascade recognition–quantification zone is developed along TiO₂ nanochannels. The asymmetric nanochannels exhibit a predominant sensitivity and selectivity for enantiomer discrimination.

Porphyrin Derivative Based Tandem Response Nanochannels Triggered by Zn2+ and NO

We describe tandem response solid nanochannels tailored with a porphyrin derivative that show Zn2+ and NO gating behaviors with good selectivity, stability, and reversibility. EXAFS and fluorescence experiments showed that...

Unimolecular Helix-Based Transmembrane Nanochannel with a Smallest Luminal Cavity of 1 Å Expressing High Proton Selectivity and Transport Activity

Natural protein channels have evolved with exquisite structures to transport ions selectively and rapidly. Learning from nature to construct biomimetic artificial channels is always challenging. Herein we present a unimolecular transmembrane proton channel by quinoline-derived helix, which exhibited highly selective and ultrafast proton transport behaviors. This helix-based channel possesses a small luminal cavity of 1 Å in diameter, which could efficiently reject the permeation of cations, anions or water molecules but only permits the translocation of protons owing to the size effect. The proton flow rate exceeded 10⁷ H⁺ s^-1 channel^-1 and reached the same magnitude with gramicidin A. Mechanism investigation revealed that the directionally arrayed NH-chain inside the synthetic channel played a pivotal role during the proton flux. This work not only presented a helix-based channel with the smallest observable nanopore, but also unveiled an unexplored pathway for realizing efficient transport of protons via the consecutive NH-chain.

Tailored Chiral Copper Selenide Nanochannels for Ultrasensitive Enantioselective Recognition and Detection

We constructed a tailorable membrane channel system consisting of penicillamine molecules intercalated in copper selenide nanoparticles (Cu_2-x Se NPs), which exhibited circular dichroism (CD) bands in the near infrared region (CD, 800-1600 nm) with a maximum intensity of 164.5 mdeg at 1440 nm. The chiral ligand hybridized to the surface of achiral Cu_2-x Se NPs by breaking the intrinsic symmetry of Cu_2-x Se NPs and further large-scale assembly induced strong optical activity. The fabricated multilayer chiral membrane achieved an increased rectification ratio (RR) up to 114. The integration of penicillamine allowed for high enantioselective recognition against naproxen,which displayed high sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.027 nM.

Solid-State Nanochannel with Multiple Signal Outputs for Furin Detection Based on the Biocompatible Condensation Reaction

Utilizing ionic current and fluorescent dual-signal-output nanochannels to achieve the detection of specific target species has received much attention. The introduction of an optical signal could not only improve the selectivity of the detection systems, but also make it possible to observe the reduction of the ionic current that originated from stimulus-triggered nanochannel changes. However, the resolution of an optical signal can only verify issues of the presence or absence and cannot precisely analyze the detailed chemical structural changes within nanochannels. Here, we employed a biocompatible condensation reaction between 2-cyanobenzothiazole (CBT) and d-cysteine, and synthesized molecules PCTC that can be polymerized by cutting off short peptide sequences in the presence of furin to realize the detection of furin with multiple signal outputs. Through the introduction of a UV light-sensitive DNA sequence to the capture probes (CPs) inside the nanochannels, the blocking of the nanochannels can be confirmed to the formed oligomers by mass spectrometry analysis.