Publications
biotreks.orgOct 2025 |
8
145-157

Remediation of uranium via a novel Deinococcus radiodurans construct

Baek, Sihyang; Guo, Qianyi; Hua, Claire; Haslinger-Johnson, Isabella; Kovacevic, Sofia; Qin, Ruihan; Shaw, Binita; Shimpi, Aparajita; Wang, Lingzhen; Xiao, Wen; Yang, Huichen
Product Used
Genes
Abstract
Radioactive metals are natural or synthetic elements that release alpha (α), beta (β), or gamma (γ) rays harmful to both humans and the environment. The growth of the uranium mining industry has led to increased amounts of contaminated radioactive wastewater being released into the atmosphere, leading to ecological and public health threats. Our design is a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional wastewater treatment methods. It also offers increased versatility by targeting U(VI) and U(IV). Deinococcus radiodurans—known for its robust genetic repair mechanisms, which allow it to resist extremely high radiation levels—will be engineered as a heavy-metal uranium remediator. Our design introduces a fusion protein construct combining D. radiodurans’ S-layer protein with PhoN. This acid phosphatase enzyme releases inorganic phosphate (Pi), which reacts with uranium (U) to form a solid uranium-phosphate compound. We will express multiheme c-type cytochromes that reduce uranium from its hexavalent state U(VI) to a less soluble and less toxic tetravalent state U(IV). To enable U(IV) binding, we will also introduce Pelosinus sp. strain UFO1’s uranium binding complex (UBC) encoded by UFO_4202 and UFO_4203. This construct combines bioprecipitation, bioreduction, and sequestration to enhance the immobilization of uranium in two oxidation states. It provides a solution for sustainable uranium detoxification and prevents the spread in contaminated environments. If successful, this construct could be deployed at uranium-contaminated sites, offering an effective, low-cost approach to environmental cleanup and ecosystem protection.
Product Used
Genes

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