21EBTA: Engineering Microbial Metal Recovery (EMMR)

Lead Research Organisation: Quadram Institute
Department Name: Food Innovation and Health

Abstract

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Technical Summary

The aim of the Engineering Microbial Metal Recovery (EMMR) consortium is to use genetic engineering to deliver a platform technology for metal removal and biorecovery. Focusing on a robust and scalable bacterial system (Shewanella), with well-known capabilities to recover high oxidation waste metals as valuable nanoparticles, we will expand the portfolio of metals that can be targeted to include emerging e-tech metals that are currently difficult and costly to recycle. Two exemplars have been selected; Au (toxic and redox active) and REEs (non-redox active and difficult to treat). A range of novel approaches will be combined to develop a flexible platform technology that can be used to compartmentalise the chosen metal in discrete locations within the microbial cell, facilitating selective removal from complex matrices and where required the formation of functional biominerals of commercial potential. Links with key industrial partners will be facilitated by the BBSRC E3B NIBB, including companies developing consumer e-waste re-cycling (Mint: Au) and battery/catalysis technologies (JM: REEs). The EMMR project will deliver solutions for emerging and critical sector (e-waste recycling), while delivering a platform technology that can be developed for other biotechnological applications, including bioremediation and metal recovery from mine wastes, nuclear clean-up and bionanotechnology. Developing follow-on applications in these sectors, alongside scale-up and implementation plans for EMMR technologies to e-waste recycling will be an explicit output of this 24 month project.

Publications

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Beal DM (2023) Modification of bacterial microcompartments with target biomolecules via post-translational SpyTagging. in Materials advances

 
Description The aim of the Engineering Microbial Metal Recovery (EMMR) consortium is to use genetic engineering to deliver a platform technology for metal removal and biorecovery. Focusing on a robust and scalable bacterial system (Shewanella), with well-known capabilities to recover high oxidation waste metals as valuable nanoparticles, we will expand the portfolio of metals that can be targeted to include emerging e-tech metals that are currently difficult and costly to recycle. We have used our knowledge of metal uptake and metal binding proteins to develop E. coli strains that compartmentalise metals within the cytoplasm. This approach is an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional mining and metal extraction methods, which often involve harmful chemicals and have significant environmental impacts. This is part of a process of bioremediation, which involves the use of microbes to clean up contaminated samples, removing pollutants and heavy metals. Bioengineering for metal recovery offers several advantages over traditional methods, including lower energy consumption, reduced environmental impact, and the ability to recover metals from low-grade ores and waste streams.
Exploitation Route In terms of bioremediation, continued research and development in this area can help to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of bioengineering for metal recovery. This could involve developing new microorganisms or plants that are better suited for metal extraction, improving the bioleaching process, or developing new bio-electrochemical systems. Once the technology is developed and optimized, it can be commercialized and scaled up for industrial use. This could involve partnering with mining companies or metal processing firms to incorporate bioengineering into their operations, or starting new companies focused on bioengineering for metal recovery.
Sectors Chemicals,Environment,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology