The cover image illustrates the microbial recycling of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). It is generally depicted as microbes (e.g., Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans [red colored], Leptospirillum ferrooxidans [green colored], Penicillium simplicissimum [cream colored]) attacking the cathode material on a LIB to leach out the metals such as lithium (white), cobalt (purple), and nickel (green). In this issue, Roy et al. advocate for microbial recycling of LIBs as a sustainable alternative to conventional processes. The article discusses the benefits, future study recommendations, and applications of microbial-based metal recycling technologies that utilize current concepts as environmentally cleaner options, and it specifically focuses on the benefits of microbial-based metal recycling technologies, including bioleaching, biosorption, and biofabrication. Image credit: Bangtu Culture.
