Conjugated microporous polymer membranes for light-gated ion transport

Inspired by the light-gated ion channels in cell membranes that play important roles in many biological activities, herein, we developed an artificial light-gated ion channel membrane out of conjugated microporous polymers. Through bottom-up design of the monomer molecular structure and by the electropolymerization method, the membrane pore size and thickness were precisely controlled on the molecular level. The obtained membrane exhibited uniform pore size and highly sensitive light-switchable response. The photoisomerization of the polymer chain resulted in a reversible on and off light control over the pore size and subsequently led to light-gated ion transport across the membrane for a series of ions including hydrogen, potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, and aluminum ions.

Automated summary

Inspired by natural light-gated ion channels, an artificial light-gated ion channel membrane was developed using conjugated microporous polymers. Through precise control of pore size and thickness on a molecular level, the membrane exhibited uniform pore size and highly sensitive light-switchable response for reversible ion transport.