- 11 January 2008 -

Biomimetic membranes with better transport than RO

Researchers at the University of Illinois, USA, have developed a new generation of biomimetic membranes, which, they say, show significantly higher water transport than existing reverse osmosis (RO) membranes.

The membranes are based on the incorporation of the functional water channel protein Aquaporin Z into a novel A-B-A triblock copolymer. Unlike some biological membranes, polymer membranes are very stable and can withstand considerable pressure, making them suitable for the desalination processes. They are also highly permeable and selective.

The membranes are described in a paper accepted for publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 

www.uillinois.edu