Aquaporins: Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration — Aquaporin A/S

Biological model: Aquaporin water channel proteins (found in all organisms)

Company: Aquaporin A/S

Reverse osmosis water filtration systems inspired by aquaporin water channel proteins that enable selective, efficient water transport across membranes.

The challenge

Conventional reverse osmosis requires high pressure and energy; water scarcity demands more efficient desalination and purification.

Nature's strategy

Aquaporin water channel proteins.

What was emulated

Selective water transport with molecular-level screening of solutes.

The innovation

Aquaporin-based membranes for efficient water filtration with higher permeability and selectivity.

Full case study

Aquaporins are protein channels that allow rapid water transport while blocking salts and other solutes. Aquaporin A/S developed bio-inspired membranes incorporating actual aquaporin proteins or synthetic analogs into filtration systems. These provide vastly improved water permeability and salt rejection compared to conventional reverse osmosis membranes.