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Intro to BIOMEM

 

The BIOMEM project set out to transform bioprocessing with biomimetic selective extraction membranes. Inspired by nature, these membranes replicate biological transport proteins, enabling ultra-selective recovery of key molecules like phosphates, sugars, and organic acids - essential for industries spanning biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.

By integrating these smart membranes into bioprocesses, BIOMEM aims to cut energy consumption by 80% compared to conventional filtration methods, reducing both industrial costs and environmental impact. This approach aligns with circular economy principles, ensuring valuable raw materials are recovered and reused instead of wasted.

Scaling from lab to industry is at the heart of BIOMEM’s mission. The project is focused on proving that bio-inspired technologies can power cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing. As BIOMEM progresses, key milestones will validate, optimize, and demonstrate the potential of these membranes - paving the way for more sustainable biomanufacturing. Stay tuned as we push the boundaries of innovation.

biomem-consortium

Promising first year and exciting plans for 2025

 

Since its launch in April 2024, the BIOMEM project has united a dynamic network of researchers and industry partners to develop biomimetic membranes for ultra-selective molecule recovery. The first year has been marked by strong collaboration, significant scientific progress, and key milestones that lay the groundwork for future breakthroughs.

Aquaporin has made notable strides in membrane protein selection, hosting a PhD student from Aston University to explore purification methods and design expression strains for transporters. Meanwhile, Aston University’s team has initiated polymer development, exchanged expertise with CNRS and the Institut Européen des Membranes, and even hosted a mini-symposium on membrane and polymer science. KU has conducted large-scale structural experiments with promising results, while CNRS has successfully begun work on the polymer matrix to host gating proteins.

Looking ahead to 2025, BIOMEM partners will focus on further integrating chemistry and biology, refining industrial fermentation and purification processes, and initiating membrane testing. CNRS is set to present its findings at PPC2025, while Aston University will host the Biochemical Society Membrane Protein Workshop, showcasing BIOMEM’s cutting-edge approaches.

With a strong foundation in place, BIOMEM is poised to accelerate its research in 2025, bringing bio-inspired separation technologies one step closer to industrial application. Stay tuned as the project continues to push the boundaries of innovation.

ABOUT AQUAPORIN

Aquaporin is an innovative water technology company with operations in Denmark (HQ), Singapore, Turkey, the United States, and China. We are committed to rethinking water filtration with biotechnology to solve global water challenges. By combining three disciplines from the world of natural sciences: biology, chemistry, and physics, we have created the unique, nature-inspired Aquaporin Inside® technology which we embed into all our membranes and solutions. Our technology is based on Nobel Prize-winning research and is used to clean and reuse water in industries, in our homes, and even by NASA in space. We work with customers and partners around the globe to responsibly treat industrial wastewater, concentrate food and beverage products in a natural way, and enhance drinking water quality and accessibility.