  Technical challenges in molecule sensing and chemical detection have created
an increasing demand for transformative materials with high sensitivity and
specificity. Biohybrid nanopores have attracted growing interest as they can
ideally combine the durability of solid-state nanopores with the precise
structure of biological nanopores. Particular care must be taken to control how
biological nanopores adapt to their surroundings once in contact with the
solid-state nanopore. Two major challenges are to precisely control this
adaptability under dynamic conditions and provide predesigned functionalities
that can be manipulated for engineering applications. Here, we report on the
computational design of a distinctive class of biohybrid active membrane layer,
built from the directed insertion of an aquaporin-incorporated lipid shell into
a silica nanopore. First, we describe in detail the mechanisms at play in the
insertion of the biological membrane into the solid-state nanopore. Then we
analyze the structural stability of the system and demonstrate that its water
permeability is comparable to the one measured in the biological environment.
Finally, we discuss how the technology implemented could be applicable to
environmental and biomedical applications, such as water desalination and drug
discovery, where targeting and controlled permeation of small molecules must be
efficiently addressed.
