New approaches to the transmembrane transport of anions are discussed in this review. Advances in the design of small molecule anion carriers are reviewed in addition to advances in the design of synthetic anion channels. The application of anion transporters to the potential future treatment of disease is discussed in the context of recent findings on the selectivity of anion transporters.

Binary mixtures of guanosine (G 1) and 8-aminoguanosine (8AmG 2) form stable, transparent supramolecular hydrogels with stoichiometric concentrations of either K+ or Ba2+ salts. These hydrogels selectively bind anionic dyes.

Functional G-quartet hydrogels formed from natural guanosine cross linked with benzene-1,4-diboronic acid and Mg2+ support cell growth with no visible signs of gel degradation.

Supramolecular or molecular gels are attractive for various applications, including diagnostics, tissue scaffolding and targeted drug release. Gelators derived from natural products are of particular interest for biomedical purposes, as they are generally biocompatible and stimuli-responsive. The building blocks of nucleic acids (i.e. nucleobases, nucleosides, and nucleotides) are desirable candidates for supramolecular gelation as they readily engage in reversible, noncovalent interactions. In this review, we describe a number of organo- and hydrogels formed through the assembly of nucleosides, nucleotides, and their derivatives. While natural nucleosides and nucleotides generally require derivatization to induce gelation, guanosine and its corresponding nucleotides are well known gelators. This unique gelating ability is due to propensity of the guanine nucleobase to self-associate into stable higher-order assemblies, such as G-ribbons, G4-quartets, and G-quadruplexes.

A G4-quartet based hydrogel formed by self-assembly of borate esters of 5′-deoxy-5′-iodoguanosine (5′-IG 2) undergoes in situ cyclization to give 5′-deoxy-N3,5′-cycloguanosine (5′-cG 3). Formation of 5′-cG 3 causes self-destruction of the gel. This intramolecular cyclization can be used to release nucleoside analogs that have been pre-incorporated into the gel network.

The ability to modulate the physical properties of a supramolecular hydrogel may be beneficial for biomaterial and biomedical applications. We find that guanosine (G 1), when combined with 0.5 equiv of potassium borate, forms a strong, self-supporting hydrogel with elastic moduli >10 kPa. The countercation in the borate salt (MB(OH)4) significantly alters the physical properties of the hydrogel. The gelator combination of G 1 and KB(OH)4 formed the strongest hydrogel, while the weakest system was obtained with LiB(OH)4, as judged by 1H NMR and rheology. Data from powder XRD, 1H double-quantum solid-state magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) were consistent with a structural model that involves formation of borate dimers and G4·K+ quartets by G 1 and KB(OH)4. Stacking of these G4·M+ quartets into G4-nanowires gives a hydrogel. We found that the M+ cation helps stabilize the anionic guanosine-borate (GB) diesters, as well as the G4-quartets. Supplementing the standard gelator mixture of G 1 and 0.5 equiv of KB(OH)4 with additional KCl or KNO3 increased the strength of the hydrogel. We found that thioflavin T fluoresces in the presence of G4·M+ precursor structures. This fluorescence response for thioflavin T was the greatest for the K+ GB system, presumably due to the enhanced interaction of the dye with the more stable G4·K+ quartets. The fluorescence of thioflavin T increased as a function of gelator concentration with an increase that correlated with the system’s gel point, as measured by solution viscosity

Thioflavin T (ThT) functions as a molecular chaperone for gelation of water by guanosine and lithium borate. Substoichiometric ThT (1 mol % relative to hydrogelator) results in faster hydrogelation as monitored by 1H NMR and visual comparison. Vial-inversion tests and rheology show that ThT increases the stiffness of the Li+ guanosine-borate (GB) hydrogel. In addition, the dye promotes relatively rapid and complete repair of a Li+ GB hydrogel destroyed by shearing. We used rheology to show that other planar aromatics, some cationic and one neutral dye (methylene violet), also stiffened the Li+ GB hydrogel. Data from powder X-ray diffraction, UV, and circular dichroism spectroscopy and ThT fluorescence indicate that G4 quartets are formed by the Li+ GB system. We observed a species in solution by 1H NMR that was intermediate in size between monomeric gelator and NMR-invisible hydrogel. The concentration of this intermediate decreased much faster when ThT was present in solution, again showing that the dye can accelerate hydrogel formation. We propose that ThT functions as a molecular chaperone by end stacking on terminal G4-quartets and promoting the assembly of these smaller fragments into longer G4-based structures that can then provide more cross-linking sites needed for hydrogelation.

Supramolecular hydrogels derived from natural products have promising applications in diagnostics, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. We studied the formation of a long-lived hydrogel made by mixing guanosine (G, 1) with 0.5 equiv of KB(OH)4. This ratio of borate anion to ligand is crucial for gelation as it links two molecules of 1, which facilitates cation-templated assembly of G4·K+ quartets. The guanosine–borate (GB) hydrogel, which was characterized by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and circular dichroism and 11B magic-angle-spinning NMR spectroscopy, is stable in water that contains physiologically relevant concentrations of K+. Furthermore, non-covalent interactions, such as electrostatics, π-stacking, and hydrogen bonding, enable the incorporation of a cationic dye and nucleosides into the GB hydrogel.

Prodigiosin is the parent compound of the tripyrrolic natural products known as the prodigiosenes. Some of these natural products and their synthetic analogs show anti-cancer, immunosuppressive and antimicrobial actions, amongst other biological activities. One mechanism put forth to explain their biological activity is that since prodigiosenes are typically protonated at physiological pH they can alter intracellular pH via HCl co-transport (or Cl−/OH− exchange) across cell membranes. In this study we synthesized a series of prodigiosene analogs with different –O-aryl substituents attached to the B-ring of the tripyrrolic skeleton. NMR studies showed that these analogs can exist as a mixture of two stable α and β conformers in acidic solution, and that both conformers can bind anions in solution. We found that the electronic nature of the O-aryl substituent on the B-ring influences the rate at which these prodigiosenes catalyze transmembrane anion transport, i.e. the prodigiosenes with the higher pKa had greater Cl−/NO3− exchange rates. Four of the synthetic prodigiosenes were tested for their in vitro anti-cancer activities in the NCI60 human tumour panel. Despite their promising in vitro anti-cancer activity (GI50 values ranging from 18 to 74 nM), there was no evidence that this activity is influenced by the extent of protonation of these synthetic prodigiosenes.

Analogues of the tripyrrolic natural product prodigiosin bearing an additional methyl and a carbonyl group at the C-ring were synthesised and evaluated. In vitro anticancer activity screening (NCI) and the study of modes of action (copper-mediated cleavage of double-stranded DNA and transmembrane transport of chloride anions) showed that the presence of the methyl group is not detrimental to activity. Furthermore, although the presence of an ester conjugated to the prodigiosene C-ring seems to decrease both pKa and chloride transport efficiency compared to the natural product, these analogues still exhibit a high rate of chloride transport. All analogues exhibit good in vitro anticancer activity and reduced toxicity compared to the natural product: compare an acute systemic toxicity of 100 mg kg−1 in mice vs. 4 mg kg−1 for prodigiosin, pointing towards a larger therapeutic window than for the natural product.

We report that the amphiphilic natural product, monoacylglycerol 1, functions as a transmembrane Cl−/NO3− anion transporter. The 1,2-diol group is crucial for the transport function since diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol analogs are not anion transporters. Furthermore, adding another hydrogen bond donor to the glycerol head-group and perfluorination of the acyl tail gave synthetic analogs with improved Cl− membrane transport properties.

Anions cannot diffuse passively through biological membranes and membrane-bound proteins mainly govern the transmembrane movement of these charged species. The use of synthetic compounds that are able to facilitate the transmembrane transport of anions is a fascinating and burgeoning topic. The study of facilitated anion transport across lipid bilayers is an emerging field in supramolecular and bioorganic chemistry. In this critical review we describe the recent research progress in this area, focusing on literature published during the years 2007–2009. An overview of the assays that are used in the transmembrane transport of anions is also included (158 references).

The sphingolipid, ceramide 1, facilitates transport of Cl− and HCO3− anions across lipid bilayers under conditions where large transmembrane pores are not formed. Ceramide's 1,3-diol unit is essential for both binding and transporting these anions.

The use of a bis-urea lithocholamide linker within a guanosine-sterol dimer resulted in formation of large and stable ion channels. The channels were longer-lived than those formed by the corresponding bis-carbamate.

Nature's use of a simple genetic code to enable life's complex functions is an inspiration for supramolecular chemistry. DNA nucleobases carry the key information utilizing a variety of cooperative and non-covalent interactions such as hydrophobic, van der Waals, π–π stacking, ion–dipole and hydrogen bonding. This tutorial review describes some recent advances in the form and function provided by self-assembly of guanine (G) based systems. We attempt to make connections between the structures of the assemblies and their properties. The review begins with a brief historical context of G self-assembly in water and then describes studies on lipophilic guanosine analogs in organic solvents. The article also focuses on examples of how G analogs have been used as building blocks for functional applications in supramolecular chemistry, material science and nanotechnology.

The C3-symmetric triamide 1 selectively transports NO3− anions across lipid vesicles: this H+–NO3− co-transporter alters the pH inside of liposomes experiencing a NO3−/Cl− gradient.

The natural product prodigiosin 1, often described as an H+/Cl− symport cotransporter, can transport Cl− across lipid vesicles via an anion exchange (or antiport) mechanism.

Binary mixtures of guanosine (G 1) and 8-aminoguanosine (8AmG 2) form stable, transparent supramolecular hydrogels with stoichiometric concentrations of either K+ or Ba2+ salts. These hydrogels selectively bind anionic dyes.

New approaches to the transmembrane transport of anions are discussed in this review. Advances in the design of small molecule anion carriers are reviewed in addition to advances in the design of synthetic anion channels. The application of anion transporters to the potential future treatment of disease is discussed in the context of recent findings on the selectivity of anion transporters.

The sphingolipid, ceramide 1, facilitates transport of Cl− and HCO3− anions across lipid bilayers under conditions where large transmembrane pores are not formed. Ceramide's 1,3-diol unit is essential for both binding and transporting these anions.

Prodigiosin is the parent compound of the tripyrrolic natural products known as the prodigiosenes. Some of these natural products and their synthetic analogs show anti-cancer, immunosuppressive and antimicrobial actions, amongst other biological activities. One mechanism put forth to explain their biological activity is that since prodigiosenes are typically protonated at physiological pH they can alter intracellular pH via HCl co-transport (or Cl−/OH− exchange) across cell membranes. In this study we synthesized a series of prodigiosene analogs with different –O-aryl substituents attached to the B-ring of the tripyrrolic skeleton. NMR studies showed that these analogs can exist as a mixture of two stable α and β conformers in acidic solution, and that both conformers can bind anions in solution. We found that the electronic nature of the O-aryl substituent on the B-ring influences the rate at which these prodigiosenes catalyze transmembrane anion transport, i.e. the prodigiosenes with the higher pKa had greater Cl−/NO3− exchange rates. Four of the synthetic prodigiosenes were tested for their in vitro anti-cancer activities in the NCI60 human tumour panel. Despite their promising in vitro anti-cancer activity (GI50 values ranging from 18 to 74 nM), there was no evidence that this activity is influenced by the extent of protonation of these synthetic prodigiosenes.

Nature's use of a simple genetic code to enable life's complex functions is an inspiration for supramolecular chemistry. DNA nucleobases carry the key information utilizing a variety of cooperative and non-covalent interactions such as hydrophobic, van der Waals, π–π stacking, ion–dipole and hydrogen bonding. This tutorial review describes some recent advances in the form and function provided by self-assembly of guanine (G) based systems. We attempt to make connections between the structures of the assemblies and their properties. The review begins with a brief historical context of G self-assembly in water and then describes studies on lipophilic guanosine analogs in organic solvents. The article also focuses on examples of how G analogs have been used as building blocks for functional applications in supramolecular chemistry, material science and nanotechnology.

Supramolecular or molecular gels are attractive for various applications, including diagnostics, tissue scaffolding and targeted drug release. Gelators derived from natural products are of particular interest for biomedical purposes, as they are generally biocompatible and stimuli-responsive. The building blocks of nucleic acids (i.e. nucleobases, nucleosides, and nucleotides) are desirable candidates for supramolecular gelation as they readily engage in reversible, noncovalent interactions. In this review, we describe a number of organo- and hydrogels formed through the assembly of nucleosides, nucleotides, and their derivatives. While natural nucleosides and nucleotides generally require derivatization to induce gelation, guanosine and its corresponding nucleotides are well known gelators. This unique gelating ability is due to propensity of the guanine nucleobase to self-associate into stable higher-order assemblies, such as G-ribbons, G4-quartets, and G-quadruplexes.

We report that the amphiphilic natural product, monoacylglycerol 1, functions as a transmembrane Cl−/NO3− anion transporter. The 1,2-diol group is crucial for the transport function since diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol analogs are not anion transporters. Furthermore, adding another hydrogen bond donor to the glycerol head-group and perfluorination of the acyl tail gave synthetic analogs with improved Cl− membrane transport properties.

A G4-quartet based hydrogel formed by self-assembly of borate esters of 5′-deoxy-5′-iodoguanosine (5′-IG 2) undergoes in situ cyclization to give 5′-deoxy-N3,5′-cycloguanosine (5′-cG 3). Formation of 5′-cG 3 causes self-destruction of the gel. This intramolecular cyclization can be used to release nucleoside analogs that have been pre-incorporated into the gel network.

We report on self-assembly of guanosines with aromatic esters at their 5′-position. Depending on the basicity of the 5′-ester either discrete octamers G8·K+I− or hexadecamers G16·3K+3I− are formed. The thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities of the G-quadruplex can be controlled by interlayer hydrogen-bonding and by dispersion interactions on the assembly's periphery.

Analogues of the tripyrrolic natural product prodigiosin bearing an additional methyl and a carbonyl group at the C-ring were synthesised and evaluated. In vitro anticancer activity screening (NCI) and the study of modes of action (copper-mediated cleavage of double-stranded DNA and transmembrane transport of chloride anions) showed that the presence of the methyl group is not detrimental to activity. Furthermore, although the presence of an ester conjugated to the prodigiosene C-ring seems to decrease both pKa and chloride transport efficiency compared to the natural product, these analogues still exhibit a high rate of chloride transport. All analogues exhibit good in vitro anticancer activity and reduced toxicity compared to the natural product: compare an acute systemic toxicity of 100 mg kg−1 in mice vs. 4 mg kg−1 for prodigiosin, pointing towards a larger therapeutic window than for the natural product.

Anions cannot diffuse passively through biological membranes and membrane-bound proteins mainly govern the transmembrane movement of these charged species. The use of synthetic compounds that are able to facilitate the transmembrane transport of anions is a fascinating and burgeoning topic. The study of facilitated anion transport across lipid bilayers is an emerging field in supramolecular and bioorganic chemistry. In this critical review we describe the recent research progress in this area, focusing on literature published during the years 2007–2009. An overview of the assays that are used in the transmembrane transport of anions is also included (158 references).