Biomediated

Biomediated refers to processes in which biological agents mediate chemical transformations. This umbrella term includes the activity of microorganisms, enzymes, or living cells that effect changes in pollutants, materials, or substrates. It is broader than, yet overlaps with, bioremediation, biocatalysis, biosorption, and biomineralization, and it applies to environmental, industrial, and materials contexts. In practice, biomediated processes rely on biology to achieve outcomes that would be difficult or less sustainable with purely chemical methods.

Mechanisms commonly involved include microbial metabolism that degrades, transforms, or immobilizes contaminants through oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, or mineralization. Enzymatic reactions carried out by purified or immobilized enzymes can synthesize or modify compounds under mild conditions. Biosorption uses cell surfaces or extracellular polymers to bind metals or organic molecules. Biomineralization involves microbes guiding the precipitation of minerals, which can immobilize contaminants or alter material properties. Plants and their associated microbes can also contribute to biomediated remediation through phytoremediation and rhizosphere processes.

Applications span environmental cleanup, industrial synthesis, and materials engineering. In the environment, biomediated approaches target hydrocarbons, pesticides, chlorinated solvents, metals, and emerging contaminants in soil and groundwater, as well as wastewater treatment through processes like nitrification and denitrification. In industry, biocatalysis enables stereoselective or high-value chemical synthesis under environmentally friendly conditions. In construction, biomineralization can be used for self-healing concrete and durability enhancements.

Limitations include dependence on environmental conditions, variable performance, slower rates compared with some chemical methods, and regulatory considerations for releasing or deploying engineered biological systems. Proper risk assessment and site-specific planning are essential.