1.D.44 The Synthetic Ion Channel with Redox-active Ferrocene (ICRF) Family.
The synthesis, cation binding and transmembrane conductive properties of a novel synthetic ion channel compound containing a redox-active ferrocene unit have been described by Tsikolia et al. 2009. Fluorescence spectroscopy was used to demonstrate that the channel supports multiple ion coordination and association constants for 1:1 and 1:2 (channel:cation) coordination for both Na+ and K+. Experiments using a black lipid membrane preparation revealed that this compound functioned effectively as an ion channel for both ions, and 23Na+ NMR spectroscopy revealed a Na+ flux, at least 5 times higher than ion transport rates by monensin. Furthermore, oxidation of the redox-active centre (Fe2+ to Fe3+) effectively inhibited ion transport.