A Supramolecular Ion Channel Based on Amphiphilic Cholic Acid Derivatives

Abstract
Cholic acid was modified so as to represent the simplest expression of an artificial supramolecular ion channel by converting three hydroxyls to methyl ethers and a carboxyl to a methylene(trimethyl)ammonium grouping. It gave stable single channel currents showing several conductance values in planar bilayer lipid membrane.