Aquaporin-Based Biomimetic Polymeric Membranes: Approaches and Challenges

Abstract

In recent years, aquaporin biomimetic membranes (ABMs) for water separation have gained considerable interest. Although the first ABMs are commercially available, there are still many challenges associated with further ABM development. Here, we discuss the interplay of the main components of ABMs: aquaporin proteins (AQPs), block copolymers for AQP reconstitution, and polymer-based supporting structures. First, we briefly cover challenges and review recent developments in understanding the interplay between AQP and block copolymers. Second, we review some experimental characterization methods for investigating AQP incorporation including freeze-fracture transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, stopped-flow light scattering, and small-angle X-ray scattering. Third, we focus on recent efforts in embedding reconstituted AQPs in membrane designs that are based on conventional thin film interfacial polymerization techniques. Finally, we describe some new developments in interfacial polymerization using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane cages for increasing the physical and chemical durability of thin film composite membranes.

Membrane Protein Insertion into and Compatibility with Biomimetic Membranes

“…PMOXA‐PDMS‐PMOXA is a widely used biomimetic membrane material that been demonstrated to successfully reconstitute AqpZ and other membrane proteins in previous studies. [10a,21,25] In addition, PMOXA‐PDMS‐PMOXA has higher chemical and mechanical stability compared to lipids, so it is a material being used for development of AqpZ based desalination membranes. [10a,26] Polymer (or lipid) to protein molar ratios (mPoPR or mLPR) were maintained in similar ranges (see details in Table S2 in the Supporting Information), with lipids at mLPR 3000–46 000, PMOXA 12 PDMS 60 PMOXA 12 at mPoPr 3000–23 000, and PMOXA 5 PDMS 22 PMOXA 5 at mPoPr 8000–40 000).…”

Bioinspired materials for water supply and management: water collection, water purification and separation of water from oil

“…Typically, these membranes are fabricated by combining the aquaporin protein (embedded within amphiphilic molecules, such as lipids) with a polymer support structure [82].…”

Self‐Assembled Polymeric Membranes and Nanoassemblies on Surfaces: Preparation, Characterization, and Current Applications

“…Bioinspired polymer membranes can also spontaneously self‐assemble in diluted aqueous conditions (e.g., water, buffer) to form vesicular architectures (polymersomes or GUVs, depending on their size), which provide compartmentalization for in situ reactions. Several membrane proteins have been successfully reconstitute into polymersomes membranes such as outer membrane protein F (OmpF), proteorhodopsin (PR), complex I, and AquaporinZ (AqpZ) via detergent‐mediated reconstitution, electroformation, peptide‐induced fusion, microfluidic jetting, or spontaneous swelling …”