Fuente: PubMed "plant biotechnology" Bioresour Technol. 2026 May 29:135014. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135014. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe treatment and valorization of iron-rich wastewater remain a challenge in environmental biotechnology. Herein, we propose a plant-physiology-directed strategy that synergistically combines iron phytoremediation and bioresource upcycling for sustainable catalyst production. By leveraging the natural hyperaccumulation capability of hydroponically cultivated peanut sprouts, iron ions were efficiently extracted from iron-containing wastewater and translocated within the plant vascular system, where in situ pre-coordination with nitrogen-rich ligands occurred. Subsequent one-step carbonization and activation converted the iron-laden biomass into Fe-N-C single-atom catalysts with atomically dispersed Fe-N4 sites. This green biosynthesis route not only removes iron pollutants from aqueous media but also transforms them into high-value electrocatalysts, establishing a waste-to-wealth pathway. The obtained catalyst exhibits exceptional oxygen reduction activity (half-wave potential of 0.86 V vs. RHE) and outstanding stability in quasi-solid state Zn-air batteries. This study demonstrates a bio-based strategy for concurrent metal pollution control and functional materials production, offering a sustainable prototype for environmental and energy applications.PMID:42217802 | DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135014