Engineering Microbial Metal Recovery (EMMR)

Lead Research Organisation: University of Manchester
Department Name: Earth Atmospheric and Env Sciences

Abstract

The Engineering Microbial Metal Recovery (EMMR) consortium brings together a unique group of world-renowned academics to develop an entirely new approach for recovering valuable metals from the expanding supplies of electronic waste (e-waste), that is currently destined for disposal as landfill. Using the tools of genetic engineering, will be fine-tune naturally-occurring bacteria to recognise and accumulate metals including gold and "rare earth elements" that are common in discarded phones and batteries. Gold is one of the most valuable metals lost in e-waste, and the rare earth elements are a limited resource that are required to power our growing green economy (being vital components of electric car batteries, wind turbines and other green energy technologies). Working with industrial partners, we will test our engineered bacteria against real wastes from industry, helping convert the 40 million plus tonne global e-waste problem, to a resource that can help power the global circular economy.

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 Project is ongoing with several industry partners, with information and samples exchanged to help improve current industrial processes and develop new approaches to critical metal recycling
First Year Of Impact 2022
Sector Chemicals,Electronics,Energy,Environment,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology
 
Description Engineering biology for critical metal recovery from industrial wastestreams
Amount £1,908,141 (GBP)
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2024 
End 02/2026
 
Description A talk at Bristol University, Dept of Earth Sciences. December 4th 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact Contribution to final year undergraduate course
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Harnessing microbial metal reduction for the biosynthesis of high value nanoparticles from industrial waste 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Overview of research to 100+ attendees from academia and industry
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Invited seminar for Innovations in Metal Biorecovery (Bioeconomy Cluster Builder) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Invited online seminar on "Putting subsurface microbes to work: Metal recovery and biosynthesis of functional metallic nanoparticles" . Innovations in Metal Biorecovery (Bioeconomy Cluster Builder) to strengthen links between academia and industry. 8th Sept 2022
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Organisation of network meeting: Bio-recovery of technology relevant metals 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Meeting on the "Biorecovery of Technology-Relevant Metals" in December 2023 at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel Manchester, attracting 100+ attendees from academia and industry. Organised on behalf of BBSRC NIBB programme "The Elements of Bio-remediation, Bio-manufacturing & Bio-energy (E3B).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://mib-nibb.webspace.durham.ac.uk/bio-recovery-of-technology-relevant-metals/
 
Description Visit to Politecnico di Milano to give seminar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Seminar "Putting subsurface microbes to work: Metal recovery and biosynthesis of functional metallic nanoparticles" Dept Seminar. Politecnico di Milano, 1st Sept 2022
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description online lecture for mLife (Wiley) journal 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Lecture for mLife journal (500+ audience) on "Putting subsurface microbes to work: Metal recovery and biosynthesis of functional metallic nanoparticles within a circular economy" . 26th May 2023, mLife Research Forum
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023