Chapter 9: Biomolecule-recognition Smart Gating Membranes Check Access

Smart gating membranes can regulate their permeability with high selectivity by controlling pore sizes based on the opening and closing behavior of their pores in response to external stimuli. This function arises from the volume change of stimuli-responsive polymers, which are immobilized inside the nano-sized pores. Among smart gating membranes, ion-recognition gating membranes are inspired by biomembranes that recognize ion signals; these artificial membranes can control their permeability in response to specific ions. Furthermore, biomolecule-recognition gating membranes, which work in protein recognition with high selectivity, have recently attracted attention because such membranes are of interest for biomedical applications, e.g., diagnostic devices. This chapter explains the design of and the principles underlying ion- and biomolecule-recognition smart gating membranes.