Team:Calgary/Measurement Overview
Overview
After extracting rare earth elements (REEs) from e-waste feedstock by way of bioleaching, and recovering these metal ions by using our metal recovery system, we were searching for a way to quantify the metal ion yield. Current metal ion measurement systems depend upon processes such as inductively coupled plasma-mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption, neither of which are accessible nor affordable. We decided to develop a suite of accessible and easy-to-use lanmodulin-based measurement systems, known as Lucifer, BRET, and Elektra.
Wet Lab
Our suite of protein-based measurement systems revolve around the metal ion-binding capabilities of lanmodulin. In order to capitalize off of this principle, we looked at fusion proteins and chemical modifications that would provide measurable values correlated to the amount of lanthanides in solution. Where Lucifer and BRET provide a luminescent output, Elektra results in an electrochemical signal. Learn more here.
Modelling
Both Lucifer and BRET are recombinant protein systems, where the conformational changes in lanmodulin result in a luminescent signal. In order to optimize the signal outputs received, we looked into several modelling methods. To learn more, click here.
Hardware
Neocycle prides itself on understanding the current needs of the industry, and this includes increasing accessibility for current processes. Here, we present Lumos, an affordable and user-friendly biosensor compatible with the luminescent Lucifer and BRET systems.
