Various strategies for forming well-defined and stable nano structure have been developed in recent years.  Here we describe the formation of nanotubular structures from the assembly of hexameric m-(phenylene ethynylene) (mPE) macrocycles based on the cooperative interaction of p-p-stacking and hydrogen bonding. The self-assembly of mPE macrocycles that bear amide side chains into helical nanotube was confirmed by CD, XRD, AFM and TEM. The stability of the nanotubes depends on the number of hydrogen bonding site.  Macrocycles also partitioned into lipid bilayer and formed sub namometer pores.  The pores showed selective ion conductivity for H+ and K+ over Na+.  Water transport through the pore was also observed by DLS and stopped-flow kinetic studies.

Self-assembling sub-nanometers pores with ion selectivity and water flux activity

244th National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.