D'Lynn Gleason presents 'Binding Activity of Glacier Bacteria Towards Rare Earth Elements', Nov. 5
by Green & Gold News |
D'Lynn Gleason, a MS candidate in biology, will defend the thesis 'Binding Activity of Glacier Bacteria Towards Rare Earth Elements' on Nov. 5.
Abstract
The field of biomining has gained momentum as researchers seek environmentally sustainable alternatives to traditional mining methods for critical minerals. Microbes play a key role in these efforts through various metal-mobilizing strategies, including the production of metal-binding compounds and proteins. However, little is known about the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms that underlie microbial metal-binding, particularly for rare earth elements (REEs). REEs are critical components of modern technologies, yet their conventional extraction methods are both environmentally damaging and economically intensive. This study explores the potential of novel microbes from extreme, low-nutrient glacier environments to bind and recover REEs through alternative biomining mechanisms.
Microbial isolates from 熊猫在线视频n glaciers, which are oligotrophic environments where
metal acquisition is essential for survival, were investigated. It was hypothesized
that these microbes possess novel metal-binding capabilities that can facilitate REE
solubilization.
Initial screening using modified CAS assays revealed extracellular REE-binding activity
in multiple isolates, supporting the hypothesis that secreted compounds, potentially
metallophores, play a role in metal chelation. Genome analysis of two key isolates,
B9 and C8, showed flexible metabolisms and the presence of metal acquisition genes,
including siderophore synthesis and membrane transport systems. Binding experiments
further confirmed that both strains could recover over 50% of REEs from synthetic
standards, with B9 showing a preference for light REEs and C8 exhibiting broad-spectrum
uptake. Importantly, both strains demonstrated the ability to extract REEs from coal.
Together, these findings highlight the diversity of microbial strategies for REE interaction
and emphasize the potential of extremophiles for developing more sustainable REE recovery
technologies.
Event details
Event location - LIB 302A or Zoom
Event date - Nov. 5, 2025
Event start time - 12 p.m.
Event end time - 1:30 p.m.
Zoom details
Meeting ID: 826 5159 4940
Passcode: 267948