textThe transport of an anion across a lipid bilayer or the extraction of an anion into
organic solution requires the stabilization of a charged species in a hydrophobic
environment. Due to the similar energetic barriers of both processes, liquid-liquid
extraction can potentially be used as a model for membrane transport. Carrier species
that can efficiently extract anions from aqueous solutions into solvents such as
chloroform, can potentially be utilized to facilitate the diffusion of those anions across a
lipid bilayer or cell membrane. The research presented here explores the relationship
between liquid-liquid extraction and membrane transport behavior. Chapter 1 presents an
introduction to the equilibria reactions that are involved in extraction, the structure of
lipid bilayers and a description of liposome models of cell membranes. Chapter 2 details
the partitioning analysis of sulfate using radiotracers. Chapter 3 explores the chloride
extraction behavior of several pyrrole-based molecules using radiotracer analysis.
Chapter 4 details the extensive studies of chloride transport across lipid bilayers using
liposome model membranes.Chemistry and BiochemistryChemistr
