Ion Transport Traversing Bioinspired Ion Channels at Bionic Interface

Abstract

Ion transport is especially crucial in normal body function, which is regulated by specialized ion channels. In this report, the simple hydrophilic alumina nanochannel is constructed at liquid/liquid (L/L) interface to simulate veritably and compactly complex cross-channel ion transfer processes of living systems in a similar physiological saline environment. The selectivity and regulation that are known for being two important characteristics of ion channels were achieved due to controllable electrosurface properties of alumina nanochannel. This channel shows good selectivity for ion with low electronegativity. The regulatory role of ion channel in confined space was achieved by varying diameters of nanochannel and lengths of ions travel path. In addition, a new theory based on the Randles-Sevcik equation is proposed for evaluation of cross-channel ion transfer in this article for the first time. The ingenious design strategy is demonstrated to be a useful means for investigating the complex cross-channe...