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1.D.246.  The Crown Ether Macrocycle K+ Channel (CEM_K+C) Family 

Yuan et al. 2024 reported and reviewed the characterization of crown ether macrocycles having multiple –OCH2CH2–ether repeating units. Crown ethers exhibit hydrophilic cavities due to the inward-facing O-atoms, with the outward-facing ethyl portions provide a lipophilic shell. The optimal polyether ring size for binding different alkali cations was systematically evaluated revealing a close correlation between ring size (hole) and ionic radius that 15-crown-5, 18-crown-6 and 21-crown-7 selectively favors Na+, K+, and Cs+, respectively. Both the unique amphiphilicity and binding selectivity make crown ethers a good ion-binding and -transporting motif for constructing APCs, and in some cases, selective recognition and transport of specific ions have been achieved.

References associated with 1.D.246 family:

Yuan, X., J. Shen, and H. Zeng. (2024). Artificial transmembrane potassium transporters: designs, functions, mechanisms and applications. Chem Commun (Camb) 60: 482-500. 38111319