Engineering biomaterials for the recovery of rare earth elements

• Published in: Trends in biotechnology (Regular ed.) Vol. 42; no. 5; pp. 575 - 590
• Main Authors: Ye, Quanhui, Wang, Dong, Wei, Na
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2024; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Adsorption; Binding sites; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Biomaterials; Biomedical materials; Biosorption; Design; Engineering; Materials recovery; Metals, Rare Earth - chemistry; Mining; Peptides; Peptides - chemistry; peptides and proteins; Protein Engineering - methods; Proteins; Proteomics; Rare earth elements; selective REE recovery; Waste recovery; peptides and proteins; biosorption; selective REE recovery; rare earth elements
• ISSN: 0167-7799; 1879-3096; 1879-3096
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.10.011

Biosorption mediated by peptides or proteins has emerged as an efficient and sustainable alternative for selective rare earth element (REE) recovery from waste streams, and will diversify REE supply while reducing the environmental burden.REE-binding peptides/proteins can be created and identified by using the state-of-the-art approaches, including phage display, rational design, proteomics, and homology modeling, and can be optimized by protein engineering for improved functionality and desirable properties.The activity of REE-binding peptides and proteins can be harnessed by engineering robust and reusable biomaterials for the selective recovery of REEs. The escalating global demand for rare earth elements (REEs) and the overabundance of REE-containing waste require innovative technologies for REE recovery from waste to achieve a sustainable supply of REEs while reducing the environmental burden. Biosorption mediated by peptides or proteins has emerged as a promising approach for selective REE recovery. To date, multiple peptides and proteins with high REE-binding affinity and selectivity have been discovered, and various strategies are being exploited to engineer robust and reusable biosorptive materials for selective REE recovery. This review highlights recent advances in discovering and engineering peptides and proteins for REE recovery. Future research prospects and challenges are also discussed. The escalating global demand for rare earth elements (REEs) and the overabundance of REE-containing waste require innovative technologies for REE recovery from waste to achieve a sustainable supply of REEs while reducing the environmental burden. Biosorption mediated by peptides or proteins has emerged as a promising approach for selective REE recovery. To date, multiple peptides and proteins with high REE-binding affinity and selectivity have been discovered, and various strategies are being exploited to engineer robust and reusable biosorptive materials for selective REE recovery. This review highlights recent advances in discovering and engineering peptides and proteins for REE recovery. Future research prospects and challenges are also discussed.