2,4,7-Triphenylbenzimidazole: the monomeric unit of supramolecular helical rod-like transmembrane transporters

Abstract

We describe the ability of 2,4,7-triphenylbenzimidazole to form a robust self-assembly inside phospholipid bilayers. The 2,4,7-triphenylbenzimidazole monomers possess a planar structure and a lipophilicity that allow them to self-assemble into helicoidal rod-like aggregates promoting anionic diffusion via helical pathways on their aromatic exterior. Their potent anionophoric activity is demonstrated by very low EC₅₀ values (70 μmol l⁻¹).