Aquaporins (AQPS), protein channels that facilitate water transport, are essential to biological systems. Synthetic water channels that could replicate the high permeability of aquaporins could open up a variety of new water purification approaches. Carbon nanotubes, with their smooth inner pores and proven enhanced water flow rates, are among strongest contenders as artificial water channels. We have recently developed carbon nanotube porins--a new type of artificial water channels based on short carbon nanotube segments embedded in a lipid bilayer.  Compared to aquaporins, CNTPs represent a more robust model membrane nanopore with easily tailorable pore size and entrance functionality. We will discuss our stop-flow measurements of the water permeability of CNTPs of different diameters at multiple pH values as well as the influence of different molecular species on water transport rates.<br/>

Water transport through carbon nanotube porins in lipid membranes

2019 Fall National Meeting

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