Lanmodulin Protein Sequestration of Rare Earth Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of naturally efficient rare-earth element (REE) and radiometal (RM) binding macromolecules, leading to the industry's neglect of proteins in REE and RM life cycles, with a need for sustainable bio-sourced or bio-inspired chelators for selective sequestration.
Innovation Solution
The use of lanmodulin protein (LanM) to sequester and purify rare earth elements and radiometals by binding them in an aqueous solution with a pH of 2.5 to 6.5, followed by pH adjustment to desorb the elements, allowing for repeated cycles of recovery and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If small manmade chelators are used for REE and RM sequestration, then selectivity and binding efficiency can be achieved, but sustainability and environmental friendliness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces synthetic chemical chelators with a biological system (lanmodulin protein) that naturally binds rare earth elements. This substitution transitions from manmade chemical systems to bio-based systems, achieving both high selectivity through the protein's natural binding sites and sustainability through biodegradability and renewable production from methylotrophic bacteria
Solution Approach 2:
The lanmodulin protein naturally performs the sequestration function without requiring additional synthetic additives or complex processing. The protein autonomously binds REEs and RMs through its evolved binding sites, and can be produced sustainably by bacteria that naturally metabolize methanol, creating a self-sufficient system
2Object-generated harmful factors
If proteins are used for REE and RM binding, then sustainability is improved, but binding efficiency and selectivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the protein's binding parameters by engineering lanmodulin with specific amino acid sequences and structures that enhance affinity for REEs and RMs. The protein's binding sites are designed with specific coordination geometries and chemical environments that match the ionic radii and coordination preferences of target elements, achieving binding efficiencies comparable to synthetic chelators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system combining the lanmodulin protein with bacterial production systems and purification protocols. The protein itself is a composite of amino acid sequences engineered for optimal binding, combining natural biocompatibility with enhanced binding properties through directed evolution and rational design
3Reliability
If lanmodulin protein is used for sequestration, then selectivity and sustainability are improved, but process complexity increases due to pH control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the dynamic pH-dependent binding behavior of lanmodulin to control sequestration and release cycles. The protein naturally binds REEs and RMs at neutral pH but releases them at acidic pH, creating a dynamic system that responds to environmental conditions. This dynamic behavior simplifies the process by using pH as a simple switch rather than requiring complex operational controls
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits changes in pH as a simple parameter to control the binding and release cycles. By adjusting pH from neutral (for binding) to acidic (for release), the system achieves selective sequestration and recovery without complex equipment or procedures. This parameter-based control transforms a potentially complex biological process into a simple, scalable operation
4Productivity
If repeated cycles of binding and release are performed, then productivity is improved through reuse, but protein stability is challenged by repeated pH adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs lanmodulin with enhanced structural stability and resistance to denaturation from pH changes. The protein is engineered with stable folding patterns, disulfide bonds, and amino acid sequences that protect against aggregation and degradation during repeated acid-base cycles. This beforehand reinforcement allows the protein to withstand numerous binding-release cycles without losing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a continuous cycle of binding and release operations using the same lanmodulin protein repeatedly. The protein maintains its structural integrity and binding capability through multiple pH adjustment cycles, enabling continuous productivity without requiring frequent protein replacement. This continuity is achieved through optimized pH transition protocols and protein stabilization strategies
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are methods of sequestering target elements (e.g., rare earth elements and/or radiometals) from a sample, methods of purifying target elements from samples, pharmaceutical compositions comprising target elements, and methods of treating a subject with said pharmaceutical compositions.