Synthesis 2004(8): 1129-1146  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-822385
REVIEW
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Synthetic Ion Channels

Ulrich Koert*, Lo’ay Al-Momani, Jochen R. Pfeifer
Fachbereich Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse, 35032 Marburg, Germany
Fax: +49(6421)2825677; e-Mail: koert@chemie.uni-marburg.de;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 4 March 2004
Publication Date:
19 May 2004 (online)

Abstract

Progress in the synthesis of membrane-bound ion channels is reviewed. Important results from several groups are highlighted and contributions from the authors’ group are summarized. Topics covered include synthetic approaches towards oligo-THF amino acids, oligopyrrolidines and gramicidin hybrid channels. Points of interest are the importance of self-assembly systems, the functional analysis (ion selectivity, gating, asymmetric insertion and asymmetric function) and the structural characterization of the channel.

1 Introduction

2 Polyether-Containing Ion Channels

3 Peptide β-Helix as Ion Channel Motif

4 Ion Selectivity in Synthetic Ion Channels

5 THF-Gramicidin Hybrid Channels and Asymmetric Insertion into the Membrane

6 Minigramicidins: Hydrophobic Match/Mismatch with the Membrane and a Conformational Switch

7 Synthetic Ion Channels by Self-Assembly of the Pore

8 Outlook