Developing biotechnologies for detection and recovery of Rare Earth Elements | W81EWF 24 SOI 0036

Opportunity Information: Apply for W81EWF 24 SOI 0036

The Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is offering a discretionary cooperative agreement opportunity titled "Developing biotechnologies for detection and recovery of Rare Earth Elements" (Funding Opportunity Number W81EWF 24 SOI 0036). The project is focused on advancing bio-based methods to dissolve, detect, and recover rare earth elements (REE), especially lanthanides, from solid domestic sources such as crushed ore and secondary materials like electronic waste. The broader aim is to speed up and improve the ability to recover individual REEs, or targeted mixtures of REEs, from U.S.-available primary and secondary feedstocks by combining engineered biology, improved binding chemistry, and better process monitoring and scale-up approaches.

The technical work is organized into three main objectives. Objective 1 centers on improving how well biomolecules bind different REEs by increasing both selectivity (favoring one REE over others) and affinity (binding strength). The proposed approach is to create semi-synthetic lanthanide-binding platforms by modifying proteins and bacterial spores with designed chemical chelation groups. These added chelation moieties are intended to enhance the already strong natural ability of certain proteins and spores to concentrate lanthanides, while also giving researchers a way to tune binding behavior depending on the target REE. The work also includes computational modeling to guide the design of peptides and proteins that exhibit different binding profiles, enabling more controlled capture of specific rare earths rather than indiscriminate adsorption.

Objective 2 targets scalability, with emphasis on tools and process approaches that make REE recovery more practical in real processing streams. A key component is the development of fluorescent protein-based biosensors engineered to bind lanthanides with high affinity and selectivity, while enabling FRET-based detection (fluorescence resonance energy transfer). These sensors are intended to work both in vitro and in vivo and are specifically aimed at detecting samarium, europium, terbium, and dysprosium. The practical value of these biosensors is that they can provide rapid feedback on REE concentrations during processing, making it easier to evaluate how well different extraction or separation steps are performing and to monitor losses or breakthroughs in real time. Alongside sensing, the project plans collaboration with ERDC researchers to explore ways to condense or concentrate process streams, with the goal of improving efficiency in downstream purification and recovery steps.

Objective 3 focuses on creating engineered microbes that can both dissolve REEs from solid matrices and capture them effectively once mobilized. This involves metabolic engineering so microbes can enhance leaching of REEs into solution and then concentrate the lanthanides within or on the cells. A practical advantage of this strategy is that if the organisms themselves can be concentrated or separated from the waste stream (for example, by filtration, settling, or other biomass handling methods), then the REEs they have accumulated can be recovered more efficiently. The objective is to increase both the amount of REE leached into the liquid phase and the final amount isolated after purification, improving overall yield from difficult feedstocks like ores or e-waste-derived solids.

From a deliverables and dissemination standpoint, the opportunity emphasizes regular communication of results to ERDC through interim reporting, and broader technology transfer to the public through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications. The solicitation also notes that methods and protocols should be provided alongside results and should be prepared to withstand peer-review scrutiny, including in interim reports, which signals an expectation of reproducible and well-documented experimental work rather than high-level summaries alone.

Administratively, this is a cooperative agreement (not a standard grant), meaning ERDC is likely to have substantial involvement during the project period. The opportunity is restricted to non-federal partners of the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU), so eligibility is limited to that network rather than open to all institutions. The funding has an award ceiling of $275,000, with ERDC expecting to make one award. The original closing date listed is 2024-09-06, and the CFDA number is 12.630. Finally, the solicitation highlights compliance and transparency requirements around disclosures of current and pending support; incomplete or problematic disclosures can make an applicant ineligible, and ERDC may request updated information before award and throughout performance, with the possibility that funding could be discontinued if issues arise. It also explicitly states that religious organizations may compete on equal footing with secular organizations for federal financial assistance, consistent with the referenced executive order.

• The Engineer Research and Development Center in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Developing biotechnologies for detection and recovery of Rare Earth Elements" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.630.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-07-19.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-09-06. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $275,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

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