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Updated: May 14, 2026
09:23
Removal of Trace Elements by Cupric Oxide Nanoparticles from Uranium In Situ Recovery Bleed Water and Its Effect on Cell Viability
Published on: June 21, 2015
Functionalized bacteria used as adsorbents for uranium extraction from seawater.
Xiaolei Chen1, Jinzhao Tong1, Xinqi Liang1
1School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University Tianshui South Road 222 Lanzhou 730000 China wuws@lzu.edu.cn.
RSC Advances
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Engineered bacteria (BDU09) encapsulated in beads selectively extract uranium (U(VI)) from seawater. This robust biosorbent platform offers a promising solution for efficient uranium recovery from challenging marine environments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Uranium extraction from seawater is difficult due to low concentrations and interfering ions.
- Developing selective and stable biosorbents is crucial for efficient uranium recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a bacterial biosorbent for selective uranium extraction from seawater.
- To enhance the biosorbent's stability and scalability for practical applications.
Main Methods:
- Constructed engineered bacteria (BDU09) displaying uranium-binding protein U09 on Escherichia coli via Lpp-OmpA.
- Encapsulated BDU09 cells in polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) to form microbial beads.
- Performed batch and continuous fixed-bed adsorption experiments using simulated and natural seawater.
Main Results:
- BDU09 and microbial beads showed selective U(VI) uptake, driven by specific coordination interactions.
- Microbial beads maintained structural integrity and selectivity in simulated and natural seawater.
- Continuous column experiments demonstrated effective U(VI) separation, with adsorption following the Yoon-Nelson model.
Conclusions:
- Engineered microbial beads provide a mechanically robust and scalable platform for uranium biosorption.
- This approach successfully translates protein-level binding specificity to a practical application.
- Offers a promising strategy for sustainable uranium extraction from seawater.
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