New Membrane Combines High Selectivity and Throughput via Integral Proteins

Global distribution has begun for Aquaporin Inside Forward Osmosis Membrane, and Sterlitech is proud to announce it is one of the first to offer the breakthrough product. Developed by Aquaporin A/S of Denmark, the new membrane is specifically designed to reduce the costs of water purification by harnessing a remarkable mechanism found in all forms of life on Earth. “Aquaporin proteins make it possible for plants to draw water through their roots and for kidneys to filter wastes in our bloodstream,” said Sterlitech President Mark Spatz. “By synthesizing these proteins and incorporating them into a membrane, Aquaporin A/S has created a membrane product with uniquely high selectivity and flow rates.” Discovered in 1992 by Peter Agre, aquaporins are protein structures integrated into the cell membranes of all living organisms and are critical for controlling water concentrations. The unique structure of these proteins allows water molecules to rapidly move in and out of a cell while denying passage to ions and other solutes. Research continues into other types of integrated membrane proteins that also allow for transport of small molecules, such as CO2, which may form the basis of other biomimetic membrane technologies of the future. The Aquaporin Inside membrane is the first offered by Sterlitech that is specifically designed for forward osmosis evaluation applications. Available in 42 sq cm, 190 sq cm, and 400 sq in pre-cut sheets, researchers can also get comprehensive supplementary equipment to perform benchmark tests and application development. About Sterlitech: Sterlitech Corporation provides superior laboratory products, specializing in flat sheet filter membrane and membrane process and development equipment for a variety of industries, including occupational health and safety, petrochemical, fossil fuels and biotech. For precision and accuracy, Sterlitech’s membrane disc filters, filter holders, silt density index test kits, and syringe-and-capsule filters are consistently relied upon to assure exceptional results. About Aquaporin A/S: Aquaporin A/S is dedicated to revolutionizing water purification and desalination of seawater through the use of industrial biotechnological techniques and thinking. The main goal of Aquaporin A/S is to develop the Aquaporin Inside™ membrane technology, for which the company won the European Inventor Award in 2014.