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Microbial-Derived Biopolymers: A Pathway to Sustainable Civil Engineering

Polymers 2025 6 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 53 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Govindarajan Kannan, Evangelin Ramani Sujatha, Abdullah Almajed, Arif Ali Baig Moghal

Summary

This review examines microbial-derived biopolymers and their potential applications in civil engineering as sustainable alternatives to conventional materials. Researchers surveyed the types of biopolymers available, their properties, and current uses in construction and infrastructure. The study suggests that these nature-friendly materials could help reduce dependence on petroleum-based plastics and contribute to sustainable development goals, though their adoption in civil engineering remains limited.

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.

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