Research and practice in the broader fields of civil and geotechnical engineering had long ignored the presence of living microorganisms in the subsurface and the way it impacts conventional practices. In the last 10 years, the term “microbial induced calcite precipitation”, or that of “biogrouting” have gained momentum in the scientific literature. They are often presented as the “next big thing” in geotechnical engineering applications that will solve many kinds of problems, ranging from soil erosion to landslide risk mitigation and liquefaction protection. Are the claimed benefits of the application of microorganisms in conventional geotechnical problems real? The present review work aims to shape a complete and comprehensive understanding of the progress reported in the field of bio-mediated soil improvement. Specific focus is put on pivotal points in this decade-long path which is marked by proof of fundamental concepts at multiple scales. Among the treated literature, reference is made to over forty studies produced after 2016. As soil bio-reinforcement makes its steps towards claiming a spot in mainstream geotechnical practice this review foresees to offer both a look back on how far research has gone and a look forward by evaluating opportunities and challenges which lie ahead.

长期以来，在土木和岩土工程领域的研究和实践一直忽略了地下微生物的存在及其对常规实践的影响。在过去的十年中，“微生物引起的方解石沉淀”或“生物灌浆”一词在科学文献中得到了发展。它们通常被认为是岩土工程应用中的“下一件大事”，它将解决许多问题，从水土流失到减轻滑坡风险和保护液化。在传统的岩土工程问题中使用微生物所声称的好处是否真实？目前的审查工作旨在形成对生物介导的土壤改良领域报道的进展的完整和全面的了解。在这一长达十年的道路上，重点放在了关键点上，其特点是从多个层面对基本概念进行了证明。在处理过的文献中，参考了2016年后进行的40多项研究。随着土壤生物增强迈向声称在主流岩土工程实践中占有一席之地，本综述预计既可以回顾研究的进展，也可以回顾研究。通过评估未来的机遇和挑战来前进。