Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS): From Biosynthetic Mechanisms to Resource Recovery and Environmental Resilience

Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) are dynamic biopolymers central to microbial survival and biotechnological innovation. Beyond providing structural integrity to biofilms, these complex matrices of polysaccharides and proteins dictate the physicochemical interface between cells and their environment, conferring resilience against extreme stressors, such as metal toxicity and osmotic pressure. Despite their potential, a significant gap remains in translating the molecular mechanisms of EPS biosynthesis into scalable green technologies. In the context of the global resource crisis, the functional diversity of EPS offers a sustainable pathway for the selective recovery of critical raw materials (e.g., REEs, lithium). This Research Topic aims to bridge fundamental metabolic science with applied circular bioeconomy strategies, highlighting EPS as a cornerstone for industrial sustainability.The depletion of critical raw materials and rising multi-metal pollution demand sustainable biotechnological alternatives. Although Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) offer exceptional chelating properties, their industrial application is hindered by a fragmented understanding of the links between biosynthetic regulation and functional performance. Recent breakthroughs in "omics" and high-resolution spectroscopy now allow for a deeper understanding of EPS-metal interactions. This Research Topic aims to consolidate interdisciplinary research to transition EPS into high-value assets for circular bioeconomy. By integrating genetic pathways with innovative recovery strategies for strategic metals, we provide a roadmap for EPS-mediated environmental resilience and industrial sustainability.This Research Topic explores the dual role of Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) as fundamental survival mechanisms and versatile tools for green biotechnology. We aim to collect interdisciplinary contributions that bridge the gap between molecular biosynthesis and high-impact applications in resource recovery and environmental resilience. We welcome Original Research, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, and Perspectives addressing, but not limited to, the following:- Molecular and Metabolic Pathways: Genetic regulation and EPS biosynthesis under environmental stress. - Metal-EPS Interactions: Advanced characterization of binding mechanisms and selectivity for bioremediation and mineral processing.- Circular Economy Applications: EPS as bioflocculants, stabilizers, or agents for recovering strategic metals (e.g., REEs, lithium) from secondary sources.- Environmental and Agricultural Resilience: EPS in mitigating abiotic stress in soils, sustainable agriculture, and wastewater treatment.This Research Topic is organized by Dr. Karem Gallardo, an academic and researcher at Universidad Autónoma in Chile. With a PhD in Natural Sciences from the Technical University of Dresden, her research focuses on environmental biotechnology and the biorecovery of critical metals. She specializes in developing sustainable bioadsorbents to recover strategic resources, such as Rare Earth Elements, from industrial waste. Topic editors: Y V Nancharaiah, Denys Kristalia Villa Gomez, Eric D. van Hullebusch Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80458/microbial-extracellular-polymeric-substances-eps-from-biosynthetic-mechanisms-to-resource-recovery-and-environmental-resilience