TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Protein-Based Rare Earth Recovery via Condensation

Protein-Based Rare Earth Recovery via Condensation from scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a cleaner, flexible way to capture and concentrate rare earth elements from complex liquid mixtures by using a bio-inspired protein system that gathers target metals into separable clusters. The approach is designed to reduce reliance on harsher processing methods while supporting more resilient supply chains for critical materials used across energy, electronics, transportation and advanced manufacturing markets. Because the system is genetically modular, the same platform may be adapted with different Lanmodulin-type metal-binding variants to support selective capture needs across varied feedstocks.

How it Works

The technology modifies Lanmodulin, a protein known for strong rare earth element binding, by adding an “encapsulation peptide" to the N-terminus of the protein. Once the engineered protein binds rare earth elements in solution, the resulting protein-metal complexes can be triggered for self-assemble into biomolecular condensates, which are larger clusters that can be removed from the liquid. The material can then be separated and concentrated through various means–such as centrifugation, filtration, and sedimentation–reducing the need for immobilizing the protein on a column or other fixed support.

Technical Description

Rare earth elements are important to modern technologies; yet, processing and purification can be difficult and environmentally damaging. Protein-Based Rare Earth Recovery via Condensation addresses that problem through EP-LanM, an engineered version of Lanmodulin that changes its material state when rare earth elements are present. Rather than focusing only on changing which rare earth elements Lanmodulin binds, this technology changes how the protein behaves after binding, turning dissolved protein-metal complexes into recoverable droplets. The metals can be harvested from the protein droplets, and the resultant free-protein itself can be recycled into iterative separations.

The protein architecture is modular, with the encapsulation peptide fused to Lanmodulin so the protein can self-assemble in response to rare earth element binding. The assembled EP-LanM-rare earth complexes can be captured through simple centrifugation, filtration, or sedimentation, which may simplify processing compared with approaches that require immobilization on a column. The modular design may also support use with other Lanmodulin derivatives that have been designed for specific rare earth affinities, creating a path toward tailored separation strategies — without requiring a full redesign of the recovery concept.

Advantages

• Uses a bio-based protein system for rare earth element capture
• Concentrates rare earth elements from complex mixtures
• Enables separation after droplet formation
• Avoids the need for protein immobilization in a column-based format
• Supports modular adaptation with different Lanmodulin derivatives
• Aligns with demand for more environmentally conscious critical-material recovery methods
• Allows recovery and recycling of input protein

Market Applications

• Critical Minerals Recovery (rare earth concentration, mixed metal streams)
• Mining and Mineral Processing (process waters, low-grade sources)
• Waste Recycling (recovered components, mixed recycling streams)
• Environmental Remediation (metal-bearing waters, industrial residuals)
• Biomanufacturing and Bioseparation (engineered protein recovery tools, modular capture systems)

Development Status: TRL 3

U.S. Patent pending

LA-UR-26-25158

LANL Tech Partnerships: Unlock the Innovative Potential

Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that may provide your company with a competitive edge in the market and unlock the innovative potential that can enhance, refine, and revolutionize your products.

LANL’s licensing program focuses on moving inventions developed by our researchers to commercial innovations. Patented and patent pending inventions and copyrighted software are available to existing and start-up companies through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. For specific discussions, please contact licensing@lanl.gov.

Note: This is not a call for external services for the development of this technology.

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