Electronic Waste: A Global Challenge
Electronic waste, or e-waste, refers to discarded electronic devices that end up in landfills. The rapid advancement of technology, combined with the growing demand for constant upgrades, has led to a dramatic increase in e-waste accumulation. These discarded devices contain toxic materials, such as noble and heavy metals, that contribute to environmental degradation and ecosystem pollution. Metals like gold, silver, copper, and lead, though present in trace amounts, have significant environmental impacts when improperly disposed of.
Conventional Approaches: Pyrometallurgy and Hydrometallurgy
Industries have developed methods such as pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy to address the environmental challenges posed by e-waste. While these techniques are effective in extracting valuable metals from electronic devices, they also present drawbacks, including energy-intensive processes and the generation of hazardous by-products. This highlights the need for more sustainable and innovative solutions.
e-PHAESTUS: A Bio-Upcycling Revolution
Inspired by the metallurgical heritage of Hephaestus, the ancient Greek god of fire and craftsmanship, the iGEM Athens 2024 team is developing e-PHAESTUS, a pioneering biomanufacturing project aimed at offering an environmentally friendly alternative for e-waste management. Our approach focuses on the bio-upcycling of electronic waste through the use of synthetic biology.
The core of our project revolves around the tripeptide glutathione (GSH), which possesses unique metal-binding properties due to its -SH and -COOH groups. Through the genetic modification of E. coli, we aim to significantly enhance the production of GSH, enabling the efficient binding and dissolution of metals present in e-waste. By harnessing the power of synthetic biology, e-PHAESTUS represents a sustainable and scalable solution to the global e-waste crisis.
