Recent Progress in Advanced Nanobiological Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications

Abstract

In this review, we briefly introduce our efforts to reconstruct cellular life processes by mimicking natural systems and the applications of these systems to energy and environmental problems. Functional units of in vitro cellular life processes are based on the fabrication of artificial organelles using protein-incorporated polymersomes and the creation of bioreactors. This concept of an artificial organelle originates from the first synthesis of poly(siloxane)-poly(alkyloxazoline) block copolymers three decades ago and the first demonstration of protein activity in the polymer membrane a decade ago. The increased value of biomimetic polymers results from many research efforts to find new applications such as functionally active membranes and a biochemical-producing polymersome. At the same time, foam research has advanced to the point that biomolecules can be efficiently produced in the aqueous channels of foam. Ongoing research includes replication of complex biological processes, such as an artificial Calvin cycle for application in biofuel and specialty chemical production, and carbon dioxide sequestration. We believe that the development of optimally designed biomimetic polymers and stable/biocompatible bioreactors would contribute to the realization of the benefits of biomimetic systems. Thus, this paper seeks to review previous research efforts, examine current knowledge/key technical parameters, and identify technical challenges ahead.

Biomimetic membranes: A critical review of recent progress

“…The major component of the biomimetic membranes are: (1) Aquaporins; (2) amphilic polymers called block copolymers or lipids that incorporate these proteins; and (3) porous support for membrane stability. Aquaporin arrays in biomimetic membranes have the potential to provide a water flux of around 16000 LMH but this does not seem achievable during large scale operations [136]. However, as suggested by Kumar et al, an aquaporin membrane configuration should be able to show a flux of 11,000 LMH if it is scaled up [42].…”

Recent Development in Aquaporin (AQP) Membrane Design

“…A critical setback is the fact that with an increasing mPAR values, Jv is likewise augmented; however, at the same time, the matrix layer becomes weaker in its structure and thus more susceptible to salt leakage. The inclusion of stabilizing and sealing polymer networks may help the rejection potential, but it might likewise compromise J v [1]. In addition to ABPMs and ABLMs, two primary research directions are aimed at obtaining functioning biomimetic membranes with the aid of AQP-mimicking artificial channels, specifically organic building block nanochannels and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) [50].…”

“…Development of Aquaporin Z (AqpZ) proteopolymersome has been substantial enough that it can obtain water separation membranes that feature fluxes of 11,000 L m −2 h −1 , a parameter value that is multiple orders of magnitude greater than the conventional industrial membranes available and possible only if the performance of AqpZ proteopolymersome can be properly scaled up. In fact, densely packed 2D AqpZ crystal arrays can in theory reach flux capacity of up to 16,000 L m −2 h −1 [1]. On the other hand, these flux values may likely not be reached in practice, since various upscaling issues would prevent them from occurring.…”

Functionalized polymeric membrane with aquaporin using click chemistry for water purification application

“…The overall mechanical property of the membrane can be improved and become easy to scale up the fabrication. Nevertheless, more research is needed to enhance the protein incorporation efficiency in the vesicles, to increase the vesicle packing density, and to resolve the ionic leakage problem in the biomimetic membranes . We therefore need to seek a stabilizing agent that allows us to tightly pack and conjugate the AQPs on the substrate.…”