Polyoxometalates as transmembrane carriers

Abstract

The investigation of ion effects on biological systems, pioneered by Hofmeister, has evolved from the classical Hofmeister scale to encompass direct interactions between chaotropic ions and dissolved organic matter, known as the "chaotropic effect." Recently, inorganic cluster anions, particularly polyoxometalates (POMs), have garnered attention for their superchaotropic behavior, surpassing traditional chaotropic ions. Exploiting this property, we explore the potential of selected all-inorganic Keggin POM anions as membrane carriers under neutral physiological conditions in both model membranes and living cells (Fig. 1). These carriers surpass established molecular carriers, facilitating the transportation of arginine-rich and lysine-rich oligo- and polypeptides. These findings advocate for further refinement of POM carriers, heralding a transformative understanding and utilization of the biological functionality of these adaptable compounds.