Early View e202511936
Communication

Dual-Function Tetrabenzylphosphonium Groups as Mitochondria-Targeting Artificial Anion Channels

Dr. Fei Gou

Dr. Fei Gou

College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350116 China

Both authors contributed equally to this work.

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Xinlei Huangfu

Xinlei Huangfu

College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084 China

Both authors contributed equally to this work.

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Qiuting Wang

Qiuting Wang

College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350116 China

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Zihong Yang

Zihong Yang

College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350116 China

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Xiyu Yuan

Xiyu Yuan

College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350116 China

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Dr. Wenju Chang

Dr. Wenju Chang

College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350116 China

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Prof. Dr. Jie Shen

Corresponding Author

Prof. Dr. Jie Shen

College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350116 China

E-mails: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

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Prof. Dr. Wen-Xiong Zhang

Corresponding Author

Prof. Dr. Wen-Xiong Zhang

College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084 China

E-mails: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

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Prof. Dr. Huaqiang Zeng

Corresponding Author

Prof. Dr. Huaqiang Zeng

College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350116 China

E-mails: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

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First published: 08 July 2025

Graphical Abstract

A series of mitochondriotropic artificial anion channels have been constructed from a self-assembled tetrabenzylphosphonium framework with an inherent ability to autonomously target mitochondria. Anion transport is mediated by multiple intermolecular C─H⋯anion H─bonds and electrostatic ion pair interactions. The highly efficient transmembrane anion transport is demonstrated by low micromolar anticancer activity against three cancer cell lines.

Abstract

Artificial ion channels with specific organelle-targeting capabilities have been scarcely investigated. Here, we report the first-in-class mitochondria-targeting anion channels derived from a structurally simple tetrabenzylphosphonium framework, in stark contrast to its phenyl-based counterpart, which lacks anion transport activity. Structural and computational analyses underscore the critical role of the methylene (CH2) linkers in the benzyl groups. These CH2 units reduce positive charge delocalization to enhance σ-hole–anion interactions, while also enabling H-atoms from both the CH2 linkers and aromatic rings to cooperatively form multiple C─H⋯anion H─bonds. In further conjunction with the rigid benzene rings, they help create sufficient spatial voids to accommodate anion translocation, collectively facilitating and energizing the anion transport process. Among the series studied, those bearing methyl and tert-butyl substituents exhibit the highest transport activity via a channel mechanism, with a conductance value as high as 26.5 ± 0.8 pS. Furthermore, leveraging the cationic nature of the quaternary phosphonium center, this family of anion channels readily achieves targeted mitochondrial localization, demonstrating potent anticancer activity, with IC50 values ranging from 1.42 to 3.04 µM across three cancer cell lines.

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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