REE-Binding Protein Sequence for Selective Light REE Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current industrial processes for rare earth element (REE) extraction and separation are costly and environmentally harmful, generating radioactive wastes and acidic effluents, and existing proteins like Lanmodulin exhibit low selectivity and binding capacity for REEs.
Innovation Solution
Development of a REE-binding protein with a specific amino acid sequence (X1X2X3X4X5X6X7X8X9) or at least 75% identity to SEQ ID NO. 1, immobilized on a solid matrix, for selective and efficient recovery of REEs without the use of chelators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current industrial REE extraction processes are used, then REE production is achieved, but environmental pollution and radioactive waste are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional chemical extraction methods with a biological system using engineered proteins (LanM variants) that selectively bind REEs through amino acid sequences. This substitution of chemical processes with biological recognition eliminates the need for harsh chemicals, acidic effluents, and organic solvents, thereby resolving the environmental pollution issue while maintaining REE production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces LanM protein as an intermediary substance that mediates between REE-containing materials and the recovery process. The protein's specific binding sites (with amino acids like D, E, N at positions X1, X3, X9) act as a selective mediator that captures REEs without requiring harmful chemical reagents, thus preventing radioactive waste generation while enabling efficient REE extraction
2Reliability
If LanM protein is used for REE binding, then binding affinity for REEs is achieved, but selectivity for individual REEs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification by specifically designing the amino acid composition at key binding positions (X1, X3, X9 corresponding to positions 2, 4, 8 in the LanM repeat unit) to create differential binding characteristics. By optimizing these local regions with specific amino acids (D, E, N at X1/X3/X9), the protein achieves both high binding affinity and improved selectivity for individual REE elements, resolving the contradiction between general binding capability and specific element discrimination
3Reliability
If LanM protein is immobilized, then REE binding capacity is achieved, but the number of REEs bound is limited to 1-2
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the segmented structure of LanM protein, which consists of multiple repeating units (typically 5-10 repeats). Each repeat unit contains binding sites for REEs. By increasing the number of repeats or optimizing the linkage between repeats, the total binding capacity increases from 1-2 REEs to potentially 5-10 or more REEs per protein molecule, thereby resolving the limitation on quantity bound while maintaining the reliability of binding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite functional system by combining multiple LanM repeat units into a single polypeptide chain, effectively creating a multi-functional binding material. This composite structure allows the protein to bind multiple REE ions simultaneously (increasing quantity from 1-2 to potentially 5-10+), while each individual binding site maintains its reliability and selectivity characteristics
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The protein demonstrates high selectivity towards light REEs, achieving a 2-4 fold preference over heavy REEs and a binding capacity of 17 μmol, with recyclability and efficient separation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Proteins offer highly specific environments for metal-biological interactions to occur
Implementation Method 2
Lanmodulin (LanM), which reportedly demonstrates significantly higher binding affinity for REEs compared to calcium and other contaminant metals
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to rare earth element binding protein and methods of recovering a rare earth element (REE) from a sample. The (REE) binding protein comprises the repeating sequence X1X2X3X4X5X6X7X8X9 wherein X denotes any amino acid, and X1 is D or E, X2 is A, T, or S, X3 is D, E or N, X4 is G, A, or F, X5 is D, X6 is G, S, or D, X7 is Y, L, V, F, I, E or W, X8 is A, V, I, L, F or T, X9 is D, E, or N.