CRISPR-modified microorganisms for rare-earth element recovery
This technology is an in vivo interface for modifying Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans for the recovery of rare earth elements in acidic environments.
Unmet Need: Genetic engineering of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
The current approach for manipulating Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans involves challenging growth conditions and low transformation and recombination efficiencies, limiting its genetic engineering potential. This technology addresses these shortcomings by introducing a novel CRISPR-based editing method, employing the less toxic Cas12a enzyme. The use of a catalytically inactive form of Cas12a allows for specific gene knockdowns, leading to enhanced iron oxidation in high sulfur conditions. Overcoming these limitations is crucial for advancing genetic characterization of A. ferrooxidans and improving its industrial applications in bioleaching, ultimately enhancing efficiency and sustainability in rare-earth metal extraction processes.
The Technology: Bioengineered microorganisms allow for high-yield biomining
This technology employs a CRISPR-based approach utilizing the Cas12a enzyme to modify Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Unlike previous methods, the less toxic catalytically inactive form of Cas12a is employed to knock down a specific gene associated with iron oxidation. This targeted gene modification enhances the strain's performance in high sulfur conditions, addressing the challenges of the conventional growth conditions and low transformation and recombination efficiencies. By leveraging the precision of CRISPR technology with the unique features of Cas12a, this approach aims to improve the genetic engineering capabilities of A. ferrooxidans for enhanced bioleaching applications.
This technology has been validated within A. ferrooxidans.
Applications:
- Genetic engineering of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
- Industrial biomining
- Genetic characterization of A. ferrooxidans strains
- Research assay for other extremophile bacteria
- Research assay for bioleaching
- Microbial electrosynthesis
- Genetic engineering of bacteria for the food industry
- Waste recycling
- Genetic engineering for nutrition boosting
Advantages:
- Improved iron oxidation under high sulfur conditions
- Enhanced selectivity for biomining bacterial strains
- Sustainable option for rare-earth metal recovery
- Optimized metal extraction
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Patent Pending (WO/2024/229135)
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU22215, CU24254
Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu