By using metal-triggered rheological switching, we can selectively recover 50-90% of critical minerals and nearly 80-95% of the input protein. This framework opens new doors for industrially functional condensates.

We engineered EP-LanM, a variant of Lanmodulin. This fusion acts as a rheological switch, staying liquid in solution but condenses into metal-rich droplets the moment it binds REEs. This allows for simple, aqueous metal capture.

Accepting and permissive of modifications, easy to purify, in 7 fluorescent fusions, and validated by two separate groups. It’s never been easier to work with carboxysomes/BMCs!

In grad school, I struggled for years to study BMCs. Our group was new in the field and we didn’t have the tools others did. I eventually made it through, and I want to make sure others can break into this field easier than I did!