Biological membranes

Membrane technology has conquered a fundamental role in many research fields, just think of water treatments, gas separations, uses in the food or pharmaceutical industry, up to the field of cultural heritage, but the use of membranes artificial is destined to grow. And this is due not only to the relative ease of use and low costs but also to the flexibility of the use of the membranes, due to the variety of types of transport they can promote. Scientific research is behind the development of membrane technology, but why are membranes so suitable for different uses? The answer, I would look for it in a “simple” concept … it is true that man intervenes and improves the conditions of life, but the starting point remains the wonderful simplicity and, at the same time, the extraordinary mystery of life, which provides the nature. And, then, what better start to deepen and improve progress in the field of membrane technologies, if not starting from the functionality of the membranes that nature has given us? This chapter provides an overview of the modes of transport across biological membranes, in order to understand many fundamental biological processes that occur within their structure.