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Engineering Programmable Electroactive Living Materials for Highly Efficient Uranium Capture and Accumulation
Feng-He Li1,2,3, Zi-Han Liang1, Hong Sun1
1CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|December 17, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed programmable electroactive living materials (ELMs) for efficient uranium recovery. These engineered microbes offer a sustainable solution for nuclear energy fuel and environmental remediation of uranium contamination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Nuclear Engineering
Background:
- Uranium is vital for nuclear energy and sustainable transitions.
- Limited resources and contamination risks necessitate advanced uranium recovery methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel uranium recovery method using programmable electroactive living materials (ELMs).
- To leverage engineered microbes for efficient capture, reduction, and accumulation of uranium.
Main Methods:
- Utilized *Shewanella oneidensis* for extracellular electron transfer.
- Engineered cells to express uranyl-binding proteins and reconfigured electron nanoconduits.
- Incorporated biofilm-promoting circuits for enhanced cell interactions and structural integrity.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 3.30-fold increase in current density and 3.15-fold increase in voltage output.
- Demonstrated robust U(VI) capture, reduction, and accumulation with a capacity of 808.42 μmol/g.
- Successfully assembled stable ELMs with enhanced electrogenic activity.
Conclusions:
- ELMs offer a versatile, environmentally friendly solution for uranium recovery.
- This approach highlights the potential of ELMs in sustainable environmental and energy technologies.
