Abstract
Aquaporin-Z (AqpZ) are water channel proteins with excellent water permeability and solute rejection properties. AqpZ can be reconstituted into vesicles utilizing cell-like bilayer membranes assembled from amphiphilic block copolymers, for the preparation of high-performance biomimetic membranes. However, only a few copolymers have been found suitable to act as the membrane matrix for protein reconstitution. Hence, this work analyzes the mechanism of protein reconstitution based on a composition-reconstitution relationship. The vesicle formation and AqpZ reconstitution processes in various amphiphilic block copolymers were investigated in terms of size, morphology, stability, polymeric bilayer membrane rigidity, and thermal behavior. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of the composition-reconstitution relationship of biomimetic membranes based on AqpZ-reconstituted polymeric vesicles.
Highlights
More than 40% of the world’s population faces water shortages [1]
The results showed that the morphology, size, and stability among the different vesicles were greatly affected by the block copolymer composition and the ending groups
Polymers having lower glass transition temperatures or lower gel to liquid phase transition temperatures, and polymers with hydrophilic ending groups are beneficial for vesicle formation and AqpZ reconstitution
Summary
More than 40% of the world’s population faces water shortages [1]. In the coming decades, water scarcity is anticipated to increase continuously due to population growth, climate change, urbanization, and increasing water consumption per capita [2]. One such potential desalination technology is Aquaporins (Aqps)-based biomimetic membrane water treatment, which promises high selectivity and low energy consumption [3,4,5,6,7]. Amphiphilic block copolymers or lipids can be self-assembled into vesicles that mimic the cell bilayer membrane, facilitating AqpZ reconstitution, and making them great candidates for preparing high-performance biomimetic membranes [12,13,14]. Novel membrane mimetics such as bicelles [15,16]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
