Recent advances in utilizing microbial polymers for eco-friendly nanocomposites in pharmaceutical waste remediation

Abstract

Introduction of pharmaceutical contaminants in aquatic environments prove to be a critical threat to public health and ecological safety, yet conventional waste water treatments fail to address these contaminants for their removal effectively. This review aims to evaluate the surfacing role of polymer-based nanocomposites, in particular, the ones synthesised through a microbial route. In comparison to traditional methods, microbially synthesised nanocomposites offer distinct advantages such as eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness improved material stability, and multifunctional performance in degradation and adsorption. In this review, we concise the principles of microbial biotransformation in nanocomposite fabrication, optimisation strategies for enhancing structural and functional properties including the application of advanced characterisation tools such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and thermal analysis for assessment of materials. As per recent studies, polymer nanocomposites exhibit superior adsorption efficiency, greater selectivity, and enhanced durability under operational conditions, making them a good fit for remediating pharmaceutical effluents. The review also highlights the interdisciplinary convergence of microbiology, nanotechnology, and environmental engineering in fuelling scalable and green remediation approaches. By consolidating current progress and discussing future applications, this article provides insights into how microbially synthesised polymer-based nanocomposites can overcome the shortcoming of conventional adsorbents and provide more resilient and eco-compatible wastewater treatment solutions.