Microbial-driven fabrication of rare earth materials

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential raw materials vital for the advancement of modern high-tech industries. However, their extraction often leads to environmental concerns. The similar chemical properties of REEs contribute to high energy consumption and significant pollution emissions during the separation process. To address these challenges and promote sustainable development and efficient resource utilization, synthetic biology techniques have been leveraged to engineer microorganisms for rare earth fabrication. Establishing an engineered microorganism manufacture platform allows for the in-situ synthesis of high-value rare earth biomaterials. This innovation not only supports clinical translational research but also enhances applications in cutting-edge fields. This article offers a comprehensive review of the rational construction of rare earth cell factories, the synthesis of high-value rare earth biomaterials, and their diverse applications in high-tech industries. Moreover, it examines the perspectives and challenges within the domain of lanthanide materials fabrication using microbial systems.