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Formation of supramolecular channels by reversible unwinding-rewinding of bis(indole) double helix via ion coordination.

Debashis MondalManzoor AhmadBijoy DeyAbhishek MondalPinaki Talukdar
Published in: Nature communications (2022)
Stimulus-responsive reversible transformation between two structural conformers is an essential process in many biological systems. An example of such a process is the conversion of amyloid-β peptide into β-sheet-rich oligomers, which leads to the accumulation of insoluble amyloid in the brain, in Alzheimer's disease. To reverse this unique structural shift and prevent amyloid accumulation, β-sheet breakers are used. Herein, we report a series of bis(indole)-based biofunctional molecules, which form a stable double helix structure in the solid and solution state. In presence of chloride anion, the double helical structure unwinds to form an anion-coordinated supramolecular polymeric channel, which in turn rewinds upon the addition of Ag + salts. Moreover, the formation of the anion-induced supramolecular ion channel results in efficient ion transport across lipid bilayer membranes with excellent chloride selectivity. This work demonstrates anion-cation-assisted stimulus-responsive unwinding and rewinding of artificial double-helix systems, paving way for smart materials with better biomedical applications.
Keyphrases
  • ionic liquid
  • water soluble
  • cancer therapy
  • dna binding
  • drug delivery
  • cognitive decline
  • diabetic rats
  • white matter
  • high glucose
  • oxidative stress
  • blood brain barrier
  • subarachnoid hemorrhage
  • drug release