Artificial Molecular Machines Operating in the Lipid Bilayer

Many of Nature’s protein receptors and machines operate within the lipid bilayer membrane and exploit environmental stimuli, as well as concentration and potential gradients, to operate and perform their task. Their malfunctioning has been associated to serious diseases, such as cystic fibrosis. Molecular chemists therefore pursue the creation of artificial membrane-embedded systems that imitate the function of proteins and hence, in the future could be interfaced with biology. Although significant advances have been made in the application of synthetic molecular receptors as transmembrane transporters, the integration of stimuli-responsiveness and machine-like mechanical motions, as is observed in natural systems, is in its infancy. Different types of anion receptors, which can be switched between distinct affinity modes using light, are discussed in this lecture. These receptors were recently applied in the modulation of transmembrane anion transport as well as membrane potential. From facilitating diffusion to active transportControl of transport across the cell membraneMembrane incorporation vs activity differenceDeliverability and targeting strategies(Orthogonal) light and chemical stimulus control