Engineering Programmable Electroactive Living Materials for Highly Efficient Uranium Capture and Accumulation

Abstract

Uranium is the primary fuel for nuclear energy, critical for sustainable, carbon-neutral energy transitions. However, limited terrestrial resources and environmental risks from uranium contamination require innovative immobilization and recovery solutions. In this work, we present a novel uranium recovery method using programmable electroactive living materials (ELMs). Utilizing Shewanella oneidensis, this approach leverages the intrinsic extracellular electron transfer capability of exoelectrogenic species, combining their adaptability and programmability with the robustness of engineered multicellular systems. These exoelectrogenic cells were endowed to selectively capture and enhance U(VI) reduction by expressing uranyl-binding proteins, coupled with a reconfigured transmembrane Mtr electron nanoconduit. By incorporating biofilm-promoting circuits, we improved cell-to-cell interactions and biofilm formation, enabling the stable assembly of ELMs with robust structural integrity. The ELMs demonstrated superior electrogenic activity, achieving a 3.30-fold increase in current density and a 3.15-fold increase in voltage output compared to controls in microbial electrochemical and fuel cells. When applied for uranium recovery, the ELMs exhibited robust U(VI) capture, reduction, and accumulation capabilities, with a maximum capacity of 808.42 μmol/g. This work not only provides a versatile and environmentally friendly solution for uranium recovery, but also highlights the potential of ELMs in sustainable environmental and energy technologies.