Howorka Group create Synthetic ion channels

In work featured on the cover of Nature Nanotechnology, the Howorka group has created a synthetic ion channels. Natural ion channels are essential components of cells and regulate the transport of ions across biological membranes. The synthetic channel is made of folded DNA and hence much easier to design than natural protein channels. It may be applied to create drug-delivery vehicles or synthetic cells, as described in www.nature.com