
Ionophores are used to increase the permeability of biological membranes and facilitate transfer of molecules into and out of cells. Ionophores unique molecular properties allow them to be used in a variety of functions. AG Scientific can supply a variety of ion selective electrodes for your needs, we have had particular success with the following:
• Valinomycin is used in ion selective electrodes to diagnostically measure potassium (K+) concentrations.
• Ionomycin is selective for calcium ions (Ca2+); it increases membrane permeability to calcium thus increasing calcium concentration in the cell.
• Calcimycin also known as (A23187) is a calcium ionophore with antibiotic properties that kill gram positive bacteria and fungi. This ionophore increases intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, and can either initiate or prevent apoptosis in different cell types.
• Nonactin selectively forms complexes with ammonium, thallium, and potassium cations to carry them across lipid membranes.