Publication date
29 september 2026
Research carried out by TEMA – Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation continues to contribute to the development of sustainable solutions addressing challenges related to the energy transition and the circular economy.
A recent study published in Algal Research, authored by Thiago Silva, Gil Gonçalves, and Bruno Henriques, researchers affiliated with TEMA and LAQV-REQUIMTE, investigated the potential of encapsulating algal biomass within polymeric microbeads for the recovery of critical metals used in a wide range of emerging technologies.
The findings show that this approach can improve biomass stability, facilitate reuse, and enhance the operational feasibility of critical element recovery processes. Among the different strategies evaluated, alginate-based systems stood out due to their simplicity, low cost, and high efficiency in capturing these valuable metals.
As demand for critical raw materials, particularly rare earth elements, continues to grow, algal biomass is emerging as a promising alternative for resource recovery from secondary sources such as industrial effluents, acid mine drainage, and electronic waste.
The study highlights the potential of this technology to support more sustainable resource recovery processes and contribute to bringing biologically based solutions closer to industrial implementation.
Scientific article:
Encapsulation of algae biomass for critical elements adsorption: Current status, challenges, and future perspectives.
Further information: https://www.ua.pt/en/noticias/9/99438
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