A Biomimetic, Self-Pumping Membrane

Biological membranes accelerate materials exchange by active, ATP-dependent transport through specialized channel proteins. Similarly, the integration of pumping driven by chemical energy harvested from the fluid into a synthetic membrane is highly desirable from an engineering point of view. Here, a novel membrane integrating an electroosmotic micropump with a fuel cell is described. Future applications of such self-pumping membranes operating with a variety of fuels may include implantable or remotely operating autonomous devices and membrane-based purification systems.