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Explora: Environment
and Resource Scalable nanofluidic photoreceptors

76 V was achieved for 640 biomimetic photoreceptors Nature. 2023;616:719-772.
connected in series at a 50-fold NaCl gradient (Figure 1F). doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-05849-4
Furthermore, an ionic image sensor comprising light-
responsive pHANCs was demonstrated to mimic the 2. Catacuzzeno L, Franciolini F. The 70-year search for the
voltage-sensing mechanism of ion channels. J Physiol.
human visual system. This biomimetic photoreceptor array 2022;600:3227-3247.
as a self-powered visual system has the potential to perceive
incoming light patterns. By detecting and analyzing the doi: 10.1113/JP282780
current signals from the biomimetic photoreceptor array, 3. Lin W C, Kramer RH. Light-switchable ion channels
the incident light information can be effectively decoded. and receptors for optogenetic interrogation of neuronal
signaling. Bioconjug Chem. 2018;29:861-869.
Over an extended period, research in the realm of
biomimetic nanochannels has predominantly centered doi: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.7b00803
on fundamental investigations of ion transport, 4. Chen CP, Alharbi W, Cundari TR, Hamann TW, Smith MR
primarily leveraging single channels or single membrane 3 . Deciphering the mechanism of base-triggered conversion
rd
architectures. However, to realize their practical of ammonia to molecular nitrogen and methylamine to
applications, maintaining the performance consistency cyanide. J Am Chem Soc. 2022;144:23249-23263.
of nanochannels during large-scale fabrication and doi: 10.1021/jacs.3c09879
integration is essential. This work demonstrates a 5. Lu J, Jiang Y, Xiong T, Yu P, Jiang W, Mao L. Light-regulated
successful case of large-scale fabrication and integration nanofluidic ionic diodes with heterogeneous channels
of nanochannels with excellent light-responsive ion stemming from asymmetric growth of metal-organic
transport performance. The pHANCs demonstrate high frameworks. Anal Chem. 2022;94:4328-4334.
compatibility with microfabrication techniques and doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c05025
display remarkable performance consistency, laying a
solid foundation and stability for large-scale integration. 6. Zhou Y, Xiong T, Lu J, et al. Highly-efficient ion gating
This work not only advances the design and fabrication through self-assembled two-dimensional photothermal
metal-organic framework membrane. Angew Chem Int Ed
of biomimetic functional nanochannels but also provides Engl. 2023;62:e202302997.
inspiration for the development of large-area ionic
nanofluidic devices. Meanwhile, the self-powered ionic doi: 10.1002/anie.202302997
image sensor has the capacity to sense and decode incident 7. Martin CR, Leith GA, Kittikhunnatham P, et al.
light information without relying on an external power Heterometallic actinide-containing photoresponsive metal-
source, making it highly promising for applications in organic frameworks: Dynamic and static tuning of electronic
wearable optoelectronics and other self-powered devices. properties. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2021;60:8072-8080.
On the other hand, significant efforts are still doi: 10.1002/anie.202016826
needed to promote the application of photo-responsive 8. Wang J, Song Z, He M, et al. Light-responsive and
nanochannels in self-powered ionic devices. Specifically, ultrapermeable two-dimensional metal-organic framework
it merits further investigation whether the pHANCs array membrane for efficient ionic energy harvesting. Nat
devices can maintain their performance stability when Commun. 2024;15:2125.
the substrate is at different bending angles. In addition, doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-46439-w
the stability of light-responsive channels under extreme 9. Liu Y, Chen Y, Guo Y, et al. Photo-controllable
conditions, such as high or low temperatures, and varying ion-gated metal-organic framework MIL-53 sub-
humidity levels, remains to be studied. Furthermore, long- nanochannels for efficient osmotic energy generation. ACS
term performance stability is crucial but has not yet been Nano. 2022;16:16343-16352.
adequately addressed. Long-term stability will be vital in doi: 10.1021/acsnano.2c05498
laying a solid foundation for the practical application of
such devices. 10. Dai S, Hall DD, Hell JW. Supramolecular assemblies and
localized regulation of voltage-gated ion channels. Physiol
Conflict of interest Rev. 2009;89:411-452.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00029.2007
11. Xu S, Yu J, Guo H, et al. Force-induced ion generation in
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Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 3 doi: 10.36922/EER025120022