Inspired by the light-regulating capabilities of naturally occurring rhodopsin, we have constructed a visible-light-regulated Cl−-transport membrane channel based on a supramolecular host–guest interaction. A natural retinal chromophore, capable of a visible-light response, is used as the guest and grafted into the artificial channel. Upon introduction of an ethyl-urea-derived pillar[6]arene (Urea-P6) host, threading or de-threading of the retinal and selective bonding of Cl− can be utilized to regulate ion transport. Based on the visible-li...
