Scientists discover incredible properties of perfluorinated cyclophane ions

In the field of medicine, many technological approaches are inspired by nature. Until recently, researchers at the Tokyo Institute of Technology conducted experiments aimed at exploiting the potential of perfluorinated cyclophane ions in the formation of ion channels. For the time being, trials continue to be carried out with a view to a future application of this discovery in medicine.

Indeed, during their experiments, the researchers tried to synthesize two types of cyclophane ions, but a problem quickly presented itself to them. Thus, following this setback, parallel studies took place and one of these proteins convinced the scientists thanks to its excellent reactions to stimuli.

Professors Kohei Sato and Kazushi Kinbara from the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) greatly contributed to the success of the experiments carried out. The results of their studies have been published in the journal Journal of the American Chemical Society.

A profound structural change has been imposed

Following the alteration of the structure of a multi-block amphiphile complex organic molecule to incorporate a perfluorinated aromatic unit, observations have been made. They revealed that perfluorinated cyclophane (CFF) and partially fluorinated cyclophane (CFH) could be incorporated into the lipid bilayer membrane, while non-fluorinated cyclophane is unable to do so.

To resolve this situation, the researchers had to analyze the ion transport property, the responsiveness to stimuli and the selectivity of these potassium ions. Observations under the microscope revealed that the two ions self-assemble with other elements in the bilayer membrane to form supramolecular ion channels.

However, the current flow through the membrane confirmed that transmembrane ion transport property is more effective and pronounced at the level of the CFF ion. Moreover, the current variations during the application of the membrane voltage showed a reactivity to the stimuli of the channels formed by the perfluorinated and partially fluorinated cyclophane.

At the end of the tests, the ion transport property of CFF was much affected, while it did not change much for CFH.

A new revolution in the field of medicine

From the observations made, scientists believe that the reaction capabilities of perfluorinated cyclophane ions are more than promising. Therefore, possibilities such as the development of therapies for diseases related to ion channels are possible.

In addition, the manipulation of important biological processes and the design of industrial materials purification technologies are also provided.

“The supramolecular ion channel formed by CFF is strikingly similar to mechanosensitive channels found in mammalian neurons. »

Kazushi Kinbara, Full Professor, Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech)

SOURCE: MIRA NEWS