Synthetic ion channels in bilayer membranes

Natural ion channels are large protein complexes that regulate key functions of cells. Supramolecular chemists have been able to take hints from Nature to design and prepare completely synthetic ion channel systems that reproduce many of the fundamental functions of natural channels. This tutorial review introduces the field to non-specialists. It examines the design, synthesis, incorporation, and characterization of synthetic ion channels in bilayer membranes, and points to potential applications of synthetic ion channels.