What does BioXtract recover?
Critical metals and rare earth elements from e-waste, printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other suitable waste streams.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The essentials on what BioXtract recovers, how the platform works, and why a biological approach matters.
How does the platform work?
It combines microbial mobilization, targeted (bio)sorption, and controlled metal separation using geochemical triggers such as pH, ionic strength, ligands and redox manipulation.
Why is it different from conventional recovery?
The process is selective, modular and designed for mild operating conditions with lower chemical intensity than conventional chemical and thermal recovery.
What makes the process modular?
Each stage can operate independently or integrate into existing recycling and remediation infrastructure, allowing the process to adapt to different feedstocks and product goals.
Why is biological recovery more sustainable?
By using microbial processes under mild conditions, BioXtract aims to cut the energy demand and harsh chemical use of conventional pyro- and hydrometallurgical recovery, supporting a lower-carbon, circular supply of critical raw materials.
What waste streams can BioXtract process?
The platform targets electronic waste and printed circuit boards, and is designed to adapt to other metal-bearing waste matrices such as mining effluents, mining slags and industrial residues. E-waste and PCBs need only minor pre-treatment.
How does BioXtract recover rare earth elements specifically?
REEs are released by microbial redox reactions, then recovered through targeted (bio)sorption, which enriches specific elements by their affinity to organic or inorganic sorbents. Geochemical triggers (pH, ionic strength, competitive ligands and redox manipulation) then drive sequential recovery of individual elements.
Can BioXtract do more than recover metals?
Yes. Beyond recovery, the platform is designed for directed metal transformation: waste can become a route to functional precursors for permanent magnets, luminescent materials and other high-value applications.
How much e-waste is generated globally?
About 62 million tons each year, of which less than 25% is formally collected and recycled (UN Global E-waste Monitor, 2024). Electronic waste contains higher concentrations of gold, copper and rare earth elements than most natural ores, which is why BioXtract treats it as an ore body rather than a waste problem.
Who funds BioXtract?
BioXtract is supported through the SPRIN-D Tech Metal Transformation Challenge, run by Germany's Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation, which backs breakthrough technologies for critical raw-material recovery and a resilient, circular industrial future.
Who is behind BioXtract?
A Radboud University spin-out founded by Dr Martyna Glodowska (CEO/CSO), Pieter van der Velden (CEO) and Dr Jessica Venetz (COO). It brings together an international team across microbiology, geochemistry, mineralogy, reactive transport modeling and process engineering, advised by a Scientific Board and an Advisory Board spanning four continents. Meet the team →