Advances in Bio-enzyme Soil Stabilization and Road Performance: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract Driven by the demand for sustainable construction, bio-enzyme treatments for soil stabilization, especially in road engineering, are attracting interest. This study uses a bibliometric and systematic review to analyse global research trends, key contributions, and gaps in bio-enzyme applications for soil stabilization. A targeted literature search was conducted using the Scopus database for its extensive coverage of peer-reviewed was taken. The analysis emphasizes peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and conference papers, excluding duplicates, non-English, and irrelevant studies. Using PRISMA guidelines, 137 publications were narrowed down to 45 high-quality studies. VOS viewer is used to explore research networks, co-authorship, and keyword trends. India and China are the main contributors in this domain. While bio-enzymes are effective, issues like regional disparities, varying soil responses, long curing periods, and limited industry awareness remain barriers. Enzyme-based stabilizers show potential for improving soil strength, compaction, and durability, making them suitable for pavement subgrades. While achieving improvement of soil properties is promising; challenges like soil-type dependency, dosage variability, and lack of standardized guidelines limit adoption. Integrating bio-enzymes with materials like cement, geopolymers, or nanomaterials could improve performance across various soil types. Enzyme-based stabilizers from agricultural or industrial by-products tested in different climates show potential for sustainable soil stabilization. Future research should focus on optimizing dosage protocols, conducting long-term field studies, and encouraging international collaboration.