Regulating Supramolecular Function in Membranes: Calixarenes that Enable or Inhibit Transmembrane Cl⁻ Transport

Abstract

Self-assembled transporter: Self-association of a partial-cone calixarene amide provides membrane-active aggregates that enable the transport of chloride anions across phospholipid membranes (see picture). Additionally, a regulatory system is described, wherein an inactive calixarene analogue inhibits the active chloride transporter.