Bio-inspired artificial ion channels: From physical to chemical gating

Artificial ion channels mimicking the intelligent gating functions of biological ion channels are highly desirable for label-free sensing, on-demand delivery, and controllable separation. There have been huge advances in fabricating bio-inspired switchable ion channels which can be smartly regulated using a variety of physical and chemical stimuli. These ion channels show improved gating features, such as ultrahigh on-off ratios, immediate response, multiple gating states, self-gating and other interesting gating properties. This review summarizes recent progress from physically (e.g., light, temperature, voltage and magnetism) and chemically (e.g., ion, molecule, pH and reaction) gated ion channels and reveals the merits of each type. Jointly gated ion channels with complementary advantages are also introduced afterwards. Finally, a summary and some perspectives on future developments in this exciting area are presented.