Researchers harness bacteria for metal extraction: Scientists at the University of Edinburgh are experimenting with the use of bacteria to extract rare metals essential for the development of green technology, including lithium, cobalt, and manganese, The Guardian reported earlier this week. Without these microbes, the supply of raw materials needed for these technologies could be at risk, the researchers argue.

How it works: The team is using bacteria to extract valuable metals from old batteries and discarded electronic equipment. The bacteria used in the process naturally latch onto metal atoms, converting them into nanoparticles. “Bacteria are wonderful, little crazy things that can carry out some weird and wonderful processes. Some bacteria can synthesize nanoparticles of metals, for example. We believe they do this as a detoxification process. Basically they latch on metal atoms and then they spit them out as nanoparticles so that they are not poisoned by them,” Professor Louise Horsfall, chair of sustainable biotechnology at Edinburgh said.

Developing a circular economy: This approach is seen as crucial for developing a circular economy, which is necessary for competing with China’s dominance over critical minerals, according to researchers. “To get around these problems we need to develop a circular economy where we reuse these minerals wherever possible, otherwise we will run out of materials very quickly,” Horsfall said.

What’s next: The team plans to enhance the efficiency of metal extraction using gene-edited bacteria and to demonstrate that these recycled metals can be used in new batteries and devices. This innovation will be vital in meeting upcoming legislative requirements that mandate the use of recycled metals in green technology by the next decade.

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