BIOmimetic selective extraction MEMbranes

Introduction

The ability to selectively extract compounds from waters will transform a multitude of applications, ranging from high-value compound isolation in industrial bioprocesses to the removal of pollutants from the environment. However, current filtration technologies are reliant on physicochemical separation strategies requiring high pressure/energy inputs and cannot discriminate specific molecules.

Project Overview

BIOMEM will develop novel biomimetic membranes harnessing the unique selectivity of biological transport proteins to facilitate the extraction of single compounds with exquisite specificity.

Concept

Our concept is to use the unique antiport characteristics of secondary active transport proteins to move molecules, even at low concentrations, across a polymer membrane against their concentration gradient. This process derives energy from the transport of another readily available ion down its own concentration gradient.

Methodology

1. A novel group of bifunctional polymers will be used to extract membrane proteins, together with their associated lipids, into nanoscale discs.
2. These discs will then be embedded into polymer membranes which are otherwise impermeable to create membranes that are completely selective for the compound of interest.
3. The bio-inspired membranes will be characterised to understand the organisation and function of the membrane, allowing for design and optimisation for custom compounds.

Testing and Applications

The produced membranes will be tested for functionality in a proof-of-concept experiment to extract complex high-value oligosaccharides from bulk biomass and phosphate from wastewaters.

Future Potential

While initially focusing on those two applications, the separation technology developed will evidence the potential for “plug and play”, bespoke, selective membranes capable of transporting specific molecules through existing or bio-engineered transporters.

Scalability and Efficiency

The developed membranes will be fully scalable and operate at rates comparable to state-of-the-art nanofiltration devices, while simultaneously requiring around 50-75% less energy.