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Review
. 2025 Jan 12;17(2):172.
doi: 10.3390/polym17020172.

Microbial-Derived Biopolymers: A Pathway to Sustainable Civil Engineering

Govindarajan Kannan  1 , Evangelin Ramani Sujatha  2 , Abdullah Almajed  3 , Arif Ali Baig Moghal  4
Affiliations
Review

Microbial-Derived Biopolymers: A Pathway to Sustainable Civil Engineering

Govindarajan Kannan et al. Polymers (Basel). .

Abstract

Modern innovations increasingly prioritize eco-friendliness, aiming to pave the way for a sustainable future. The field of civil engineering is no exception to this approach, and, in fact, it is associated with almost every sustainable development goal framed by the United Nations. Therefore, the sector has a pivotal role in achieving these goals. One such innovation is exploring the possibilities of using nature-friendly materials in different applications. Biopolymers are substances that are produced either by the chemical synthesis of natural materials or by the biosynthesizing activities of microorganisms. Microbial-derived biopolymers are known for their non-toxic and nature-friendly characteristics. However, their applications are mostly restricted to the field of biotechnology and not fully explored in civil engineering. This article reviews various microbial-derived biopolymers, focusing on the types available on the market, their source and properties, and more importantly, their wide range of applications in the civil engineering field. Additionally, the article explores the prospects for future research and the potential for the practical implementation of these techniques in the pursuit of a sustainable future.

Keywords: building construction; ground improvement; microbial-derived biopolymer; water treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mechanism of biopolymer interaction with soil (XGAS—xanthan gum-amended soil; GGAS—guar gum-amended soil; and BGAS—Bela glucan-amended soil). Reprinted with permission from ref. [8]. Copyright 2024 Elsevier.
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) Erosion of untreated soil, (b) erosion resistance offered by biopolymer-treated soil, (c) water-zone created for effective plant growth due to hydrophilic adsorption, (d) biopolymer coating the soil surface, (e) enhanced water adsorption during precipitation, and (f) moisture retention during the dry season. Reprinted with permission from ref. [72]. Copyright 2024 Elsevier.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Cost comparison of various microbial-derived biopolymers with conventional soil stabilizers [79].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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