21EBTA - Engineering Microbial Metal Recovery (EMMR)
Lead Research Organisation:
Durham University
Department Name: Biosciences
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
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.
| Description | We demonstrated the importance of glutathione (GSH) as a cytosolic buffer of Au(I) ions in gram-negative bacteria. We engineered strains with increased or decreased GSH levels, and these directly correlated with altered metal tolerance. In parallel, we successfully calibrated a metal-sensor for its response to Au(I) (gold redox state in a bacterial cytosol) and determine Au(I) availability in cells. Through mathematical modelling using our experimentally determined biophysical parameters as well as those available in the literature, we predicted that GSH would be a strong buffer for Au(I), and showed that substantially improved transcriptional response was be observed in cells with reduced GSH in response to Au(I) stress. We have thus made Au(I) ions more or less accessible to other proteins in the bacterial cytosol, enabling enhanced Au(I) sequestration. Conversely, GSH is predicted to be a weak cytosolic buffer for Cu(I), and the corresponding transcriptional response is poised to mitigate GSH-dependent Cu(I) toxicity. The inverse roles of GSH in Cu(I) and Au(I) buffering have implications for microbial metal tolerance and recovery in mixed waste streams. |
| Exploitation Route | The availability of strains engineered for altered cytosolic metal availability can be used in different industrial biotechnology applications. Specifically, this is being applied in follow-up work to improve gold sequestration within cells that have reduced GSH levels. These strains can also be investigated for altered tolerance and cytosolic availability for the recovery of other economically valuable metals. The principles used in this study can also be applied to other combinations of buffer molecules and metal interactions. These ideas are most immediately being pursued in the EB-MIND and ELEMENTAL Engineering Biology Mission projects. |
| Sectors | Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | Engineering Biology Mission Award |
| Amount | £1,838,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/Y008448/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2024 |
| End | 02/2026 |
| Description | Engineering Biology Mission Hub |
| Amount | £14,000,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/Y008456/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2024 |
| End | 02/2029 |
| Title | Genomic DNA sequence |
| Description | Genomic DNA sequence of an E. coli strain selected for increased glutathione production (GSH). Screens and selections had been reported previously but genome sequencing was not possible (1985). We have identified a mutation that correlates with increased GSH levels. BioProject PRJNA1186153. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Provides insight into the genetic basis for a mechanism of increased GSH production in E. coli strains. |
| Description | Engineering Microbial Metal Recovery |
| Organisation | University of Manchester |
| Department | School of Earth and Environmental Sciences |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This Collaboration is part of the larger grant award 21EBTA - Engineering Microbial Metal Recovery lead by University of Manchester. Our contribution is engineering bacterial metabolic pathways for enhanced metal tolerance during metal waste recovery processes. |
| Collaborator Contribution | University of Manchester oversees the grant and our discoveries will be applied within their experimental system. |
| Impact | No outputs to date. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Bioprocessing Entrepreneurial Skills Training (BEST) Programme |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A week-long residential programme (8-13th September 2024) co-organised by BioProNET2 and E3B (a BBSRC Network in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy, BBSRC NIBB) attended by 18 early career researchers (15 PDRA + 3 PG). The workshop culminated in a in a Dragons Den-type pitch for establishment of a novel business concept. Preparatory sessions included: Talks on molecular design for development, manufacture and delivery of biological therapeutics and the societal/economic consideration of novel therapeutics Tutoring on the tools for self-awareness in working with others, career development and the entrepreneurial process Industrial site visits (CPI, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Iksuda Therapeutics) coupled with presentations from, and discussions with, industrial practitioners. Presentation on applications of engineering biology in the microbially-mediated recovery of technology critical minerals. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | http://biopronetuk.org/ |
| Description | UK-US Workshop: Bioengineering solutions for critical minerals |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The UK-US Workshop on Bioengineering Solutions for Critical Minerals (3-6 December 2024) convened the UK and US R &D communities to foster new collaborations to ensure that our bilateral science and innovation partnership provides a strong underpinning for our shared goals for CM supply chain. Themes covered during the workshop included: Bioleaching, Bio-separations, Novel approaches to bio-enabled CM recovery. There were platforms for discussions and knowledge exchange on workforce development, barriers to commercialisation, economic analysis (TEA/LCA) and best practices in responsible research and innovation. Attendees included representatives from UK Government (DSIT), US Department of Energy, US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), UK Research and Innovation, and leading figures from academia, national labs and industry. The workshop blended technical talks and panel discussions, where each technical session featured a short framing presentation by UK/US speakers (one lead by Chivers). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://elementalhub.org/home/events |
| Description | Visit by UK Government Chief Scientific Advisor |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | The UK Government's Chief Scientific Advisor (GCSA; Dame Angela McLean) visited Durham University (April 2024) to learn about science research. Chivers spoke with the GCSA about Metals and Engineering Biology research at Durham and throughout the UK. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/latest-news/2024/05/uk-governments-top-scientist-tours-durham-c... |