Natural Water Purification

Aquaporin proteins are water channels that selectively facilitates water transport across the cell membrane of all living cells in an energy-efficient way. We have developed a bioinspired method to stabilize aquaporins in order to make use of their extraordinary features in water purification and treatment processes. The key stabilization components are lipids and silicon dioxide (silica). The lipids are dual purpose since they both mimic the natural environment of the aquaporins and act as the impermeable component in the filter. Silica provides the biological components with mechanical and chemical robustness while preserving their structure. For details, see our PhD thesis that is downloaded by clicking the illustration above.