Waterselective

Waterselective is a descriptive term used in science to denote a material, channel, or device that preferentially allows water molecules to pass through a barrier while limiting the transport of solutes. The term is not a formal category with strict criteria; rather, it is used to summarize a property of systems designed to transport water over other species, often in the context of membranes, channels, or hydrogels.

In biology, waterselective channels such as aquaporins are specialized proteins that conduct water across membranes with high efficiency and selectivity against ions; their narrow, hydrophobic-lined pores favor single-file water transport and exclude other solutes. Water selectivity in these channels is a key factor in cellular osmoregulation and fluid balance.

In synthetic membranes and related materials, waterselective describes structures with high water permeability relative to solute transport. Such materials are sought for desalination, wastewater treatment, and solvent dehydration, where high water flux and solute rejection are desirable. Performance is typically described by water permeability and the selectivity against dissolved species, with common trade-offs between permeability and selectivity.

In hydrogels and polymers, waterselective behavior can be engineered by tuning pore size, hydrophilicity, and electrostatic interactions. These materials serve roles in microfluidics, sensors, and controlled release, where selective water transport contributes to device function or actuation.

Note that usage of "waterselective" varies by field, and some authors prefer related terms such as water-permeable, water-channel–like, or aquaporin-like to convey similar ideas.