Visual analysis of research on microbial extracellular polymeric substances based on bibliometrics

Abstract:

[Background] Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), polymers secreted by microorganisms, have been applied in environmental management, material science, and biomedicine. [Objective] To discuss the research status, hotspots, and trends of EPS. [Methods] We retrieved the publications related to EPS in the last 10 years from the Web of Science Core Collection and employed VOSviewer to perform the statistical analysis. [Results] The number of publications about EPS was on the rise. China had the largest number of publications, the quality of which, however, remained to be improved. The research on EPS mainly involved environmental governance, biomanufacturing, and biomineralization. The degradation of microplastics is one of the hotspots. [Conclusion] This study provides a basis for understanding the research status and trends of EPS.