Self-assembled, cation-selective ion channels from an oligo(ethylene glycol) derivative of benzothiazole aniline

► We present a simple and small molecule (BTA-EG4), which forms remarkably well-defined ion channels in lipid bilayers. ► This small molecule is composed of a benzothiazole aniline (BTA) group attached to tetra(ethylene glycol). ► These pores are formed by the self-assembly of approximately four monomers of BTA-EG4. ► The BTA-EG4 pores are selective for monovalent cations in the following sequence: H+ >> Cs+ > K+ > Na+ > Li+. ► BTA-EG4 exhibits antibiotic activity against gram-positive bacteria and cytotoxicity against human neuroblastoma cells.