01
Pre-treatment
E-waste and PCBs need only minor pre-treatment, keeping energy costs and waste low.
Microbial Metal Recovery
Recovering critical metals from waste using precision biogeochemistry.
BioXtract uses targeted microbial bioleaching, sorption and selective dilution to recover and separate critical metals and rare earth elements from e-waste, PCBs, mining effluents and other waste streams. It is a modular, adaptable and low-carbon alternative to conventional chemical and thermal recovery.
The feedstock
The Challenge
The richest ore is the one we throw away
Electronic waste contains high concentrations of gold, copper and rare earth elements, far denser than most natural ores. Yet the majority of it is never recovered, while demand for these same critical metals keeps climbing.
Conventional recovery relies on energy-intensive smelting or aggressive chemical leaching. BioXtract takes a different route: letting biology do the selective work, under mild conditions, with minimal chemical input.
62M
tons of e-waste generated globally each year
< 25%
is formally collected and recycled
Source: UN Global E-waste Monitor, 2024.
In the lab
Our Approach
Nature-inspired biotechnology for selective critical metal recovery
For billions of years, microorganisms have dissolved, concentrated and re-deposited metals through natural biogeochemical cycles. BioXtract harnesses and optimizes those same mechanisms to recover critical metals from modern waste streams.
The result is a process with a modular, adaptive design, high selectivity, and an environmentally responsible footprint, translating fundamental biogeochemistry into real-world industrial application.
Beyond recovery: BioXtract is designed for directed metal transformation into functional precursors for permanent magnets, luminescent materials and other high-value applications.
High selectivity
Targeted recovery of specific critical metals, not broad-spectrum leaching.
Modular by design
Each stage can run independently and adapt to existing recycling and remediation lines.
Resourceful application
Operates under mild conditions with minimal chemical input and low energy demand.
The Platform
Four stages. Modular by design.
The BioXtract platform is applicable throughout the recycling process, from raw, critical-metal-bearing waste to refined materials. Each stage is self-contained and can slot into existing recycling lines, or the four can be chained together into one continuous, closed-loop system with no valuable material wasted.
02
Microbial mobilization
Microbial redox reactions act as catalysts to release critical elements from solid waste, avoiding the high energy and harsh chemicals consumption of traditional hydrometallurgy.
03
Selective capture
Targeted (bio)sorption recovers the leached metals, enriching specific elements by their affinity to organic or inorganic sorbents.
04
Controlled separation
Geochemical triggers (pH, ionic strength, competitive ligands and redox manipulation) drive sequential recovery. Organic and mineral sorbents are then regenerated and reused.
The Team
The people behind the science
BioXtract is an international, multidisciplinary team of environmental scientists united by a common goal: to tackle the growing challenges of waste management and contribute to the green economy through innovative waste valorization.
The team brings together geomicrobiologists with a long history of studying metals, metalloids, and the microorganisms that transform them into biominerals. Alongside them are geologists and geochemists with expertise in rare earth element (REE) biogeochemistry, redox transformations, and resource recovery, as well as modelers who predict the behaviour and mobility of critical metals. Supported by strong process-engineering expertise, close industry partnerships, and access to world-class laboratory facilities, this unique consortium spans four continents.
Managing Team
Dr Martyna Glodowska
CEO/CSO & Co-FounderBioXtract
Netherlands
An established researcher with extensive scientific expertise and a strong international network across academia and industry. She connects knowledge from different fields and translates scientific insight into innovative applications and process concepts, shaping BioXtract's technology and research strategy.
Pieter van der Velden
CEO & Co-FounderBioXtract
Netherlands
A driven and well-organized leader with a background in biochemistry, currently completing his PhD. He combines scientific expertise with clear communication and a strong vision for the company, leading BioXtract's development and commercialization efforts.
Dr Jessica Venetz
COO & Co-FounderBioXtract
Netherlands
She gained a PhD at the intersection of multiple disciplines, giving her the ability to bridge scientific, technical and operational domains. A creative problem-solver who aligns stakeholders and drives the company's day-to-day operations and growth.
R&D Team
Dr Suzanne Haaijer-Vroomen
Co-Lead R&D / Senior ResearcherBioXtract
Netherlands
An experienced researcher with extensive practical expertise in laboratory operations and experimental development. She oversees laboratory organization, coordinates procurement and resource management, and trains new team members in methods and procedures.
Dr Stian Torset
Co-Lead R&D / Postdoctoral ResearcherBioXtract
Netherlands
A dedicated researcher with expertise in bioprospecting and the discovery of novel metabolic pathways. He identifies biological opportunities and translates fundamental discoveries into practical solutions for the company.
Gabriela Mista
PhD CandidateBioXtract
Netherlands
A careful and dedicated PhD researcher central to the execution and validation of experimental work. Rigorous attention to detail generates the reliable, reproducible data behind BioXtract's technology development.
Daniel Wuehtrich
Student AssistantBioXtract
Netherlands
A hands-on student research assistant with a background in process engineering. He supports R&D through laboratory experiments and practical research tasks, bringing an engineering perspective to process optimization and scale-up.
Valorization Support
Mansour Gilasgar
Market Research LeadRadboud University
Netherlands
With a background in economics, he leads market research and commercial validation. He turns complex market intelligence into clear, actionable visualizations, bridging business strategy and technology development.
Dr Francisco Arjona Madueño
Senior Knowledge Transfer OfficerRadboud Innovation Science
Netherlands
Brings extensive experience in knowledge transfer and innovation commercialization, connecting academic research with real-world applications and providing guidance throughout the spinout process.
Dr Annabel van Driel
Senior Grant AdvisorRadboud Innovation Science
Netherlands
A supportive project manager who advances the venture through effective coordination and stakeholder engagement, aligning the interests of different parties and keeping innovation activities moving forward.
Funding
Backed by SPRIN-D
BioXtract is supported through the SPRIN-D Tech Metal Transformation Challenge, run by Germany's Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation, which backs breakthrough technologies for critical raw-material recovery and a resilient, circular industrial future.
View the SPRIN-D challengeProject ecosystem