Long‐Range Proton Channels Constructed via Hierarchical Peptide Self‐Assembly

• DOI: 10.1002/adma.202409248
• Publication Date: 2024-11-12T13:44:01Z
• Authors: Semion Censor; Jorge Vega Martin; Ohad Silberbush; Samala Murali Moh...; Ran Zalk; Lonia Friedlander; Daniel G. Trabada; Jesús Mendieta; Guillaume Le Saux; Jesús Ignacio Men...; Linda Angela Zotti; José Ortega Mateo; Nurit Ashkenasy
• Keywords: Bioelectronics; Proton Transport

Abstract The quest to understand and mimic proton translocation mechanisms in natural channels has driven the development of peptide‐based artificial facilitating efficient transport across nanometric membranes. It is demonstrated here that hierarchical peptide self‐assembly can form micrometers‐long nanochannels. fourfold symmetrical design leverages intermolecular aromatic interactions align self‐assembled cyclic nanotubes, creating hydrophilic nanochannels between them. Titratable amino acid sidechains are positioned adjacent each other within channels, enabling formation hydrogen‐bonded chains upon hydration, transport. Moreover, these enriched with protons water molecules by interacting immobile counter ions introduced into increasing flow density rate. This system maintains transfer rates closely resembling those protein over micrometer distances. functional behavior inherently recyclable biocompatible systems opens door for their exploitation diverse applications energy storage conversion, biomedicine, bioelectronics.