New lanmodulin variant enables single-stage Gd vs Dy separation

CMI researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Penn State conducted the activity for this highlight

Innovation
Designed a new lanmodulin (LanM) variant that achieves high selectivity among the heavy REEs.

Achievement
New LanM variant enabled increased column loading by 20% compared to the model LanM and high-purity, high-yield Gd separation from Dy. Starting with a 50:50 molar solution of Gd:Dy, a single adsorption/desorption cycle generated a Gd fraction (99% purity, 77% yield) and a Dy fraction (96% purity, 88% yield).

Significance and Impact

Demonstrates utility of LanM proteins to enable near-adjacent HREE separations.
Next Steps: Extend separation tests to adjacent REE pairs such as Tb/Dy and conduct size reduction efforts.

Hub Target Addressed
Developing highly selective separation from complex sources.

diagram of separation efficiency — A single LanM column loading enables Gd separation from Dy starting from an equimolar solution. Separation was achieved using a pH-mediated elution process that leverages this new LanM’s high selectivity for Gd over Dy.