Low Molecular Weight Di- to Tetrapeptide Transmembrane Cation Transporters

Low molecular weight di-, tri- and tetrapeptide transmembrane ion transporters containing aminobenzoic acid and l/d alanine are reported. These short peptides transport alkali metal cations in preference to halides across the lipid bilayer most likely through a carrier mechanism. Easy access to these peptides and the ability to install diverse functional groups into the peptidic scaffold make them attractive scaffolds for therapeutic use.