Chemical-Induced pH-Mediated Molecular Switch

• Published in: Analytical chemistry (Washington) Vol. 83; no. 20; pp. 7692 - 7697
• Main Authors: Jayawardhana, Dilani A, Sengupta, Mrinal K, Krishantha, D.M. Milan, Gupta, Jyoti, Armstrong, Daniel W, Guan, Xiyun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 15.10.2011
• Subjects: Analytical chemistry; beta-Cyclodextrins - chemistry; Biological and medical sciences; Biosensing Techniques; Biosensors; Biotechnology; Chemistry; Drug delivery systems; Electrolytes - chemistry; Enzyme kinetics; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General, instrumentation; Hemolysin Proteins - metabolism; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Ionic Liquids - chemistry; Kinetics; Methods. Procedures. Technologies; Molecules; Protein Folding; Protein Unfolding; Proteins; Various methods and equipments; Drug; Transmembrane protein; Enzyme; Use; Method; Probe; Protein; Ionic liquid; Biosensor; Chlorides; pH; Kinetics; Application; Hemolysin
• ISSN: 0003-2700; 1520-6882
• DOI: 10.1021/ac2019393

The transmembrane protein α-hemolysin pore has been used to develop ultrasensitive biosensors, study biomolecular folding and unfolding, investigate covalent and noncovalent bonding interactions, and probe enzyme kinetics. Here, we report that, by addition of ionic liquid tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride solution to the α-hemolysin pore, the α-hemolysin channel can be controlled open or closed by adjusting the pH of the solution. This approach can be employed to develop a novel molecular switch to regulate molecular transport and should find potential applications as a “smart” drug delivery method.