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 pulse relaxation technique. Double-chain amphiphiles with cationic, anionic and nonionic head groups formed stable BLM's, and the transport parameters for alkali ions were determined. The calix[4]arene derivative displayed an enhanced transport rate for Na+ ion across the synthetic BLM's, while the relative adsorption/desorption rate (beta) of alkali ions was significantly affected by the surface charge of the BLM's.