Tunable Biopolymers for Heavy Metal Removal

University Of California-Riverside, Riverside CA

Investigators

Abstract

0086698 Chen The objective of this research is the development and testing of high affinity, tunable biopolymers for the selective removal of heavy metals from aqueous streams. In this research, tunable protein conjugates that have a high affinity for specific metals will be developed by starting with specific proteins associated with metal resistance in bacteria. The proposed process uses genetically engineered proteins which posses functional groups or domains that: (1) chelate transition metal ions, and (2) change folding patterns in response to pH and temperature so that they can be rendered insoluble to remove the metals, and (3) can revert to a soluble form in response to pH and temperature to separate the polymer from the waste stream, e. g. tunable biopolymers. This grant is made pursuant to Solicitation NSF 00-49, New Technologies for the Environment. ***