Magnetic Gated Biomimetic Artificial Nanochannels for Controllable Ion Transportation Inspired by Homing Pigeon

Abstract
The homing pigeon‐inspired artificial nanochannel can be modulated by moderate magnetic field in a fast and noncontacting way. The ionic current, as well as rectifying ability and conductance is controlled by the magnetic field reversibly through elastic deformation of the nanochannel. Different gating effects are obtained at the two sides of the asymmetrically conical nanochannel due to the different response models. The magnetic gated nanochannel system also exhibits an excellent stability and a quick response in a noncontacting way, which may be promising in electronic devices related to biological or healthcare applications.

A homing pigeon‐inspired artificial nanochannel can be gated by moderate magnetic fields in a fast and noncontacting way. The ionic current, rectifying ability, and the conductance of the nanochannel can be switched reversibly by the magnetic‐field‐induced elastic deformation of the channel. The novel magnetic‐controlled micro‐/nano‐fluidic system may have potential applications in the electronic and healthcare industries.

Source: Small - February 5, 2018 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Guanglei Hou, Dianyu Wang, Kai Xiao, Huacheng Zhang, Shuang Zheng, Pei Li, Ye Tian, Lei Jiang Tags: Communication Source Type: research