Molecular communication system using Zn2+ selective supramolecular nanochannel to induce photoregulated catalysis

Abstract

We developed synthetic ionophores that self-assemble into supramolecular nanochannels for the transport of Zn²⁺ across lipid bilayers. The translocated Zn²⁺ forms a photoactive PPIX–Zn²⁺ complex that generates ¹O₂ to oxidize tryptophan, establishing a Zn²⁺-mediated cascade reaction network within confined spaces, which is crucial for developing photoregulated molecular communication systems.