ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Synergistic application of photocatalysis and biocatalysis in antibiotic degradation: emerging strategies for sustainable environmental remediation

Xingyan Liu, Yating Liu, Yanbo Wo, and Chen Shen

Ningbo Key Laboratory of High-Performance Petroleum Resin Preparation Engineering and Technology, Ningbo Polytechnic University, Ningbo, China

E-mail: 85740074@qq.com

Received: 5 August 2025  Accepted: 20 November 2025

Abstract:

In recent years, due to the widespread use and, in some cases, misuse of antibiotics, pollution from antibiotic residues in soil and aquatic environments has become a significant global issue. Numerous methods for treating antibiotic residues in the environment have been extensively studied. Traditional degradation technologies, including physical, chemical, and biological methods, each have inherent limitations when applied individually. Among various pollutant degradation techniques, photocatalytic degradation and biodegradation are regarded as environmentally friendly and and efficient, and they have strong application potential. In particular, coupling these two processes into a photocatalysis-biodegradation hybrid system is considered one of the most promising approaches for addressing antibiotic pollution. This review summarizes recent developments in synergistic photocatalysis-biodegradation technologies. The combined photocatalysis-biodegradation approach offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for degrading antibiotic residues.

Keywords: Antibiotic pollutant; Degradation; Photocatalysis; Biodegradation; Synergistic technology

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04541-3

Chemical Papers 80 (3) 2083–2096 (2026)