Open Access

REVIEW

Biopolymer–Microbe Interactions: Emerging Biotechnological Strategies for Sustainable Materials and Therapeutics

Esam Bashir Yahya^*

Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Asmarya Islamic University, Zliten, Libya

* Corresponding Author: Esam Bashir Yahya. Email:

Journal of Polymer Materials 2026, 43(2), 3 https://doi.org/10.32604/jpm.2026.075913

Received 11 November 2025; Accepted 07 April 2026; Issue published 30 June 2026

Abstract

Biopolymer–microbe interactions have emerged as a central theme in the development of sustainable materials and next-generation therapeutic strategies. This work provides a critical and integrative analysis of recent advances in biopolymer-based systems designed to modulate microbial behavior, with particular emphasis on antimicrobial activity, biofilm regulation, and host–microbe compatibility. Unlike conventional reviews that primarily catalogue existing studies, this manuscript systematically evaluates the mechanistic foundations governing polymer–microbe interactions, highlighting how physicochemical properties such as surface chemistry, porosity, charge distribution, and biodegradability influence microbial adhesion, virulence, and resistance patterns. Recent experimental evidence demonstrates that rationally engineered biopolymers especially polysaccharide- and protein-based matrices—can selectively inhibit pathogenic microorganisms while preserving beneficial microbiota, offering a strategic advantage over traditional antimicrobial approaches. Furthermore, this review identifies key methodological limitations in current studies, including inconsistencies in microbial models and inadequate long-term performance evaluation, and outlines critical research gaps hindering clinical translation. By integrating material science, microbiology, and biotechnology perspectives, this work advances the field beyond descriptive frameworks and provides actionable insights for designing next-generation biopolymer platforms for sustainable materials and therapeutic applications.

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Keywords

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