Stimuli-responsive release of active anionophore from RGD-peptide-linked proanionophore

Synthetic transporters for oxoanions

This brief review highlights recent advances in the transport of oxoanions using synthetic carriers, focusing on both progress and ongoing challenges in the field. The difficulty of transporting these oxoanions increases with their hydration enthalpies, with less hydrated nitrate and perchlorate being relatively easy to transport. Recent progress has focused on the transport of moderately hydrated anions such as bicarbonate and carboxylates, where studies are influenced by the free diffusion of neutral species obtained by (de)protonation equilibria. Despite significant innovations in the design of synthetic carriers, the transport of the highly hydrated oxoanions sulfate and phosphate remains a major challenge. Progress on sulfate transport has stalled, while the first example of phosphate transport was reported only last year.

β-Carboline-based light and pH dual stimuli-responsive ion transporters induce cancer cell death

Light and pH dual-responsive ion transporters offer better applicability for cancer due to higher tunability and low cytotoxicity. Herein, we demonstrate the development of pH-responsive β-carboline-based ionophores and photocleavable-linker appended β-carboline-based proionophores to facilitate the controlled transport of Cl- across membranes, leading to apoptotic and autophagic cancer cell death.

A chloride-responsive molecular switch: driving ion transport and empowering antibacterial properties

A molecular switch was developed to recognize and transport Cl- across lipid bilayers. The XRD-crystal structure and NOESY NMR spectra of a potent 4-aminoquinazoline analogue confirmed Cl--induced conformation changes. Systematic biophysical studies revealed that the quinazoline moiety forms cooperative interactions of H+ and Cl- ions with the thiourea moiety, resulting in the transport of H+/Cl- across the membranes. A pH-dependent analysis revealed that the transport of Cl- by the potent compound increased in an acidic environment. The potent compound could also transport H+/Cl- across Gram-positive bacteria, leading to antibacterial activities.