The mass transport between the external and interior environment of the cells is an essential process in all living organisms for survival. Nature performs this process elegantly by using well-defined channels of natural proteins such as Aquaporin. The structure and size of the channels play a crucial role in selectivity and in transport efficiency, where the molecules are transported overcoming high energetic barriers. We aim to create artificial ion channels by using self-aggregating macrocycles that can be applied for mass transport across lipid bilayers. In addition, we would also like to explore the uses of these self-aggregated systems for molecular recognition, molecular electronics, and other functional materials.

Jinti Moni kumar
Ph.D. Scholar