Bioinspired membranes for selective purification of organic acids
Innovative bioinspired membranes utilize biological transport proteins to selectively purify small organic acids from fermentation broths in a single, energy-efficient step.
Overview
The bioinspired membrane technology leverages the natural selectivity of biological transport proteins to address the challenges of purifying small organic acids from fermentation broths. Traditional filtration methods struggle to separate these acids due to their similar physicochemical properties. Our solution integrates transport proteins into a synthetic membrane, enabling selective removal of specific acids in a continuous, low-energy process.
Technical specifications
- Bioinspired Design: Utilizes biological transport proteins embedded within a membrane structure to achieve selective acid transport.
- Polymer Integration: Novel polymers are used to stabilize transport proteins in lipid nanodiscs, maintaining their functional activity.
- Membrane Structure: The membrane consists of nanoscale pores filled with protein lipid discs (PLDs), surrounded by functionalized polymers allowing covalent crosslinking into a solid structure.
- Customizable: The technology allows for selection of specific small acid targets and integration with various fermentation broths.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, the bioinspired membrane has successfully demonstrated proof of concept and is undergoing further development to optimize transporter selection, microbial expression systems, and integration into bulk membranes. Further validation is planned through activity assays and substrate specificity tests.
About Aston University
Aston University is a public research university in Birmingham, UK, with a city‑centre campus and an applied, industry‑engaged character. A distinctive placement year embeds students in companies, creating pipelines for sponsored research, contract services, and recruitment. Co‑located laboratories and clinical facilities support translational work, while proximity to Birmingham’s innovation district and the regional manufacturing base enables fast access to partners and SMEs. Research is supported by UK Research and Innovation councils and Innovate UK, with additional funding from NIHR and European programmes. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and spinouts, and streamlines facilities access and collaboration agreements.
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