Biological activity of synthetic ionophores: ion transporters as prospective drugs?

The control of ion transport and homeostasis is a critical function of living organisms. In this perspective, an overview of different synthetic systems capable of facilitating the transmembrane transport of ions along with the biological activity exerted by these compounds is presented. Examples of both cation selective and anion selective transporters are highlighted. The potential future applications of these systems in the treatment of conditions derived from the dysregulation of natural ion transport mechanisms and the development of new antimicrobials and anticancer drugs are discussed.