Biomimetic Approach for Highly Selective Artificial Water Channels Based on Tubular Pillar[5]arene Dimers

Dmytro Strilets (1) , Shixin Fa (2) , Arthur Hardiagon (3) , Marc Baaden (3) , Tomoki Ogoshi (2) , Mihail Barboiu (4)

1 IEM - Industrial Engineering and Management [Lappeenranta]
2 Kyoto University
3 LBT (UPR_9080) - Laboratoire de biochimie théorique [Paris]
4 IEM - Institut Européen des membranes

Artificial water channels mimicking natural aquaporins (AQPs) can be used for selective and fast transport of water. Here, we quantify the transport performances of peralkyl-carboxylate-pillar[5]arenes dimers in bilayer membranes. They can transport % 10 7 water molecules/channel/ second, within one order of magnitude of the transport rates of AQPs, rejecting Na + and K + cations. The dimers have a tubular structure, superposing pillar[5]arene pores of 5 diameter with twisted carboxy-phenyl pores of 2.8 diameter. This biomimetic platform, with variable pore dimensions within the same structure, offers size restriction reminiscent of natural proteins. It allows water molecules to selectively transit and prevents bigger hydrated cations from passing through the 2.8 pore. Molecular simulations prove that dimeric or multimeric honeycomb aggregates are stable in the membrane and form water pathways through the bilayer. Over time, a significant shift of the upper vs. lower layer occurs initiating new unexpected water permeation events through toroidal pores. &&Abstract was shortened to fit within allotted space. Please check.&&

Domaines: Autre; Ingénierie de l'environnement

Dmytro Strilets, Shixin Fa, Arthur Hardiagon, Marc Baaden, Tomoki Ogoshi, et al.. Biomimetic Approach for Highly Selective Artificial Water Channels Based on Tubular Pillar[5]arene Dimers. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2020, 59 (51), pp.23213-23219. ⟨10.1002/anie.202009219⟩. ⟨hal-03028876⟩