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Metal-Ligand Bonds02:51

Metal-Ligand Bonds

The hemoglobin in the blood, the chlorophyll in green plants, vitamin B-12, and the catalyst used in the manufacture of polyethylene all contain coordination compounds. Ions of the metals, especially the transition metals, are likely to form complexes.
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Updated: May 11, 2026

Microfluidic Dry-spinning and Characterization of Regenerated Silk Fibroin Fibers
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Mechanically and Chemically Robust Lanmodulin-Functionalized Silk Sponges for Rare Earth Element Sequestration.

Logan D Morton1, Ryan A Scheel1, Jugal Kishore Sahoo1

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States.

ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|June 25, 2025
PubMed
Summary

This study introduces a sustainable method for rare-earth element (REE) extraction from electronic waste using silk protein sponges. The novel approach offers selective REE binding and recovery, promoting eco-friendly recycling.

Keywords:
E-wasteREEsbiominingbioseparationcritical mineralslanmodulinsilk

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Rare-earth elements (REEs) are critical for modern technologies, but their supply is threatened by unsustainable mining practices and increasing demand.
  • Electronic waste (E-waste) represents a significant, yet largely untapped, low-grade source of valuable REEs.
  • Traditional REE extraction methods often involve harsh chemicals and generate substantial environmental pollution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop an environmentally friendly and highly selective method for extracting rare-earth elements (REEs) from low-grade sources.
  • To utilize functionalized silk protein sponges for efficient REE capture and recovery.
  • To enable the recycling of REEs from electronic waste (E-waste) and industrial byproducts.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of silk protein sponges functionalized with lanmodulin (LanM), a protein with high affinity for REEs.
  • Immobilization of LanM onto the sponge matrix to create a reusable extraction material.
  • Application of the functionalized sponges for selective binding of REEs from aqueous solutions.
  • Recovery of bound REEs through simple acid leaching and demonstration of sponge reusability.
  • Investigation of pH-dependent desorption for selective recovery of different REEs.

Main Results:

  • The LanM-functionalized silk sponges demonstrated facile fabrication and scalability.
  • High selectivity and efficiency in binding REEs from solutions were achieved.
  • Successful recovery of REEs via acid leaching with minimal loss of sponge functionality over multiple cycles.
  • Demonstrated potential for selective desorption of different REEs by adjusting buffer pH.
  • The method effectively avoids the use of hazardous solvents common in conventional extraction.

Conclusions:

  • Lanmodulin-functionalized silk protein sponges offer a sustainable, efficient, and selective platform for rare-earth element extraction.
  • This bio-inspired approach provides a viable alternative to traditional mining, enabling the recycling of REEs from E-waste and industrial sources.
  • The pH-tunable desorption capability allows for tailored recovery of specific REEs, enhancing the economic feasibility of the process.