A lanmodulin-based fluorescent assay for the rapid and sensitive detection of rare earth elements

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Rare earth elements (REEs) are critical for modern technologies.
• Efficient mining and recovery necessitate sensitive detection methods.
• Existing methods can be slow or lack selectivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid, highly selective, and sensitive fluorescence detection method for REEs.
• To utilize the newly discovered Hans-Lanmodulin protein for REE detection.
• To establish a quantitative assay for lanthanides (Lns).

Main Methods:

• Engineered FITC-labelled Hans-Lanmodulin (FITC-Hans-LanM).
• Utilized conformational changes and fluorescence quenching upon REE binding.
• Tested responsiveness to light, medium, and heavy REEs.

Main Results:

• FITC-Hans-LanM demonstrated specific binding to REEs, causing fluorescence intensity decrease.
• The assay showed responsiveness across the REE spectrum.
• A linear relationship was observed between fluorescence signal and Nd³⁺ concentration (1-20 nM).
• Achieved a low detection limit of 0.512 nM within 1 minute.

Conclusions:

• The FITC-Hans-LanM method offers a rapid and sensitive approach for REE detection.
• This technique holds potential for environmental and industrial sample analysis.
• Facilitates efficient REE mining and recovery processes.