Poremediated

Pore-mediated refers to processes that rely on the presence of pores or channels in membranes or materials through which substances can pass or signals can be transmitted. The term is used across biology and materials science to describe transport, interaction, or communication that is governed by pore size, shape, charge, and selectivity.

In biology, pore-mediated transport includes the activity of porins in bacterial outer membranes, which allow small hydrophilic solutes to cross the membrane, and the function of ion channels and gap junctions that regulate ion flow and intercellular communication. Nuclear pore complexes control selective transport of proteins and RNA between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Pore-forming toxins can create pores in cellular membranes, increasing permeability and altering cell viability.

Engineered and technological applications of pore-mediated transport include nanopore devices used for single-molecule sensing and sequencing, where molecules pass through a pore and generate characteristic signals. Synthetic membranes with defined pore architectures are employed in filtration, desalination, and molecular separation. Pore-mediated strategies are also explored in drug delivery, diagnostics, and responsive materials, often leveraging gating mechanisms or changes in pore properties in response to stimuli.

The term pore-mediated is descriptive and focuses on the central role of pores in enabling transport and interaction. Research in this area covers pore design and engineering, mechanisms of selectivity and gating, and integration of pores into devices for sensing, filtration, and therapeutic applications. Ongoing work seeks to improve control over pore size distribution, stability, and compatibility with biological or industrial environments.