CALIX[4]ARENE-MEDIATED TRANSPORT OF ALKALI IONS ACROSS SYNTHETIC BLACK LIPID-MEMBRANES (BLM)

The calix[4]arene-mediated transport of alkali ions across black lipid membranes (BLM) of synthetic amphiphiles was examined by the charge p ulse relaxation technique. Double-chain amphiphiles with cationic, ani onic and nonionic head groups formed stable BLM's, and the transport p arameters for alkali ions were determined. The calix[4]arene derivativ e displayed an enhanced transport rate for Na+ ion across the syntheti c BLM's, while the relative adsorption/desorption rate (beta) of alkal i ions was significantly affected by the surface charge of the BLM's.