Emerging research directions in nanoparticle‐based foam control for bioprocessing: a bibliometric approach

Abstract Overfoaming remains a critical challenge in industrial bioprocesses, compromising mass transfer, operational stability, and downstream efficiency in bioreactors and wastewater treatment systems. This study provides a bibliometric and scientometric assessment of nanoparticle‐enabled foam control to map technological trends and identify research gaps. A total of 118 Web of Science records were analyzed using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. The literature shows sustained growth after 2005, peaking in 2021, and is dominated by chemistry, materials science, and engineering, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of the field. Keyword co‐occurrence reveals four major research fronts: hybrid nanoparticle–surfactant/oil formulations; interfacial mechanisms (wettability, adsorption, dewetting); stimulus‐responsive systems (pH, temperature, CO 2 ) enabling reversible foam control; and application‐driven studies with increasing translation to bioprocessing and biorefinery contexts. Polymeric systems (22.9%), metallic/magnetic nanoparticles (17.8%), carbon nanomaterials (14.4%), silica‐based nanoparticles (13.6%), and bioderived nanomaterials (11.0%) emerge as the most investigated platforms, reflecting both performance‐driven and sustainability‐oriented trajectories. Mechanistic fundamentals (Young–Laplace capillarity, Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO)‐based disjoining pressure, and bridge–dewetting) are consolidated to support rational design criteria for particulate antifoams. Finally, key barriers – especially toxicity/environmental fate, process compatibility, scalability, and cost – are discussed, highlighting future directions toward bioderived and biodegradable materials, recoverable multifunctional systems, and Industry 4.0‐enabled real‐time foam monitoring and adaptive control for sustainable bioprocesses.