If a compound is found to be able to transport ions across a cell membrane, it is possible that they can also function as sensors, signal transducers, or antimicrobials. They can also help researchers to understand how natural systems move ions across cell membranes or other hydrophobic membranes. Knowledge that catechol binds Cl- in organic solvents led this group to try and use this compound to form a new anion transporter. Bacterial siderophores and synthetic analogues using the same compound have been proven to transport Fe3+ across membranes but no work with anions has been completed.
Bis-catechol was used in this study specifically to demonstrate anion transport. The transport however, was dependent on the catechol’s substitution and amphiphilicity. Anions that were easier to dehydrate were made more permeable to the membrane using this compound. ESI-MS analysis was used to determine that a chloride complex was formed when TBACl was mixed with catechol. Based on this preliminary finding, two catechols with either…show more content… The liposomes were placed in a sulfate solution and fluorescence monitored the change in pH when the different potential anion transporting compounds were added. Knowing that sulfate is not able to cross a membrane, the pH changes were accredited to a symporter involving the nitrate and protons. The different analogs however, did show different transport activity. The compound with a medium length alkyl chain was the most active while the one with the shortest chain was the least active. This is due to the fact that the chain is hydrophobic and able to partition into the liposome. The substituents were also examined in this part of the study. It was seen that the 2,3-O-methyl analog as well as the 3,4-substituted analog had no activity at all. This led researchers to conclude that the 2,3-OH diols are essential for
