Artificial water channels enable fast and selective water permeation through water-wire networks
Journal
Nature Nanotechnology
Journal Volume
15
Journal Issue
1
Start Page
73
End Page
79
ISSN
17483387
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
Song, Woochul
Joshi, Himanshu
Chowdhury, Ratul
Najem, Joseph S.
Shen, Yue-xiao
Lang, Chao
Henderson, Codey B.
Farell, Megan
Pitz, Megan E.
Maranas, Costas D.
Cremer, Paul S.
Hickey, Robert J.
Sarles, Stephen A.
Hou, Jun-li
Aksimentiev, Aleksei
Kumar, Manish
Abstract
Artificial water channels are synthetic molecules that aim to mimic the structural and functional features of biological water channels (aquaporins). Here we report on a cluster-forming organic nanoarchitecture, peptide-appended hybrid[4]arene (PAH[4]), as a new class of artificial water channels. Fluorescence experiments and simulations demonstrated that PAH[4]s can form, through lateral diffusion, clusters in lipid membranes that provide synergistic membrane-spanning paths for a rapid and selective water permeation through water-wire networks. Quantitative transport studies revealed that PAH[4]s can transport >109 water molecules per second per molecule, which is comparable to aquaporin water channels. The performance of these channels exceeds the upper bound limit of current desalination membranes by a factor of ~104, as illustrated by the water/NaCl permeability–selectivity trade-off curve. PAH[4]’s unique properties of a high water/solute permselectivity via cooperative water-wire formation could usher in an alternative design paradigm for permeable membrane materials in separations, energy production and barrier applications. © 2019, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.
SDGs
Publisher
Nature Research
Type
journal article