LanthaGen Bio develops biologically based capture systems that use engineered microorganisms to selectively bind and concentrate rare earth elements from low‑grade ores, industrial waste, and recycling streams. Their modular bioreactor solutions integrate into existing processing facilities, offering low‑energy, aqueous extraction and downstream purification to deliver market‑ready REEs while reducing chemical use, energy consumption, and environmental impact.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Current rare earth element (REE) extraction relies on energy‑intensive mining and chemical processes that generate significant environmental waste and are vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. Industries that need REEs, such as electronics and clean energy, face rising costs and sustainability pressures due to these limitations.
Solution
Lanthagen Bio is creating biologically based capture systems that use engineered microorganisms to selectively bind and concentrate rare earth elements from low‑grade ores, industrial waste streams, and recycling streams. The approach leverages natural metal‑binding pathways, reducing the need for harsh chemicals and high‑temperature processing. Captured REEs can be released from the biomass in a purified form suitable for downstream manufacturing. By integrating these bio‑capture modules into existing processing facilities, Lanthagen Bio aims to lower extraction costs, decrease environmental impact, and improve supply resilience for critical REE markets.
Target Audience
Primary customers are mining operators, metal‑recycling facilities, and manufacturers of high‑performance magnets and electronics that require a sustainable source of rare earth elements.
Features
- Genetically optimized microbes with high affinity for specific REEs (e.g., neodymium, dysprosium, terbium)
- Scalable bioreactor designs that can be retrofitted to existing ore‑processing or recycling lines
- Low‑energy, aqueous processing that eliminates the need for strong acids or high‑temperature smelting
- Integrated downstream purification steps to recover REEs in market‑ready purity levels
- Real‑time monitoring of metal uptake using biosensor reporters for process control