Harnessing Synthetic Biology for Sustainable Recovery of Critical Metal Materials from Electronic Waste

Abstract The rapid expansion of electronic waste (E‐waste) has positioned it as the fastest‐growing waste stream globally, containing valuable reserves of rare earth elements, precious metals, and critical raw materials. While conventional pyro‐ and hydrometallurgical processes dominate current recycling practices, their energy‐demanding operations and reliance on toxic reagents raise substantial ecological concerns. Synthetic‐biology‐based bioremediation offers a promising alternative, utilizing genetically modified microorganisms for selective bioleaching, biosorption, and bioaccumulation. Cutting‐edge advances in metabolic pathway engineering and synthetic gene circuits have significantly improved microbial capabilities, enabling higher metal selectivity, enhanced tolerance to acidic conditions, and faster recovery kinetics in complex E‐waste matrices. Nevertheless, critical bottlenecks persist in maintaining microbial consortia stability under industrial conditions, in achieving phase‐selective extraction from polymetallic waste streams, and scaling up continuous bioreactor operations. This review systematically evaluates advancements in microbial chassis for E‐waste recycling, focusing on genome editing tools and enzyme optimization. A synergistic framework combining protein engineering, adaptive laboratory evolution, and hybrid bioelectrochemical system reactors is further proposed to overcome existing limitations. Implementing these engineered biological systems can transform urban mining practices, supporting circular economy goals through efficient metal recovery and resource reuse.