%O cited By 39 %J Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering %L scholars12966 %D 2020 %R 10.1016/j.jngse.2020.103380 %K Biodegradability; Contact angle; Fracture; Hydraulic fracturing; Infill drilling, Bio-inhibitors; Clay swelling; Environmental friendliness; Hydraulic fracturing process; Low costs, Shale %X This work presents a comprehensive review on the use of bio-inhibitors for stabilizing gas/oil shales during drilling and hydraulic fracturing. The swelling and dispersion inhibiting potentials and mechanisms of 23 bio-inhibitors were analytically reviewed and compared with existing conventional inhibitors. Relevant data on the influence of bio-inhibitors to shale swelling, YP, contact angle, and zeta potential is provided. Also, the toxicity, biodegradability and production viability of bio-inhibitors are discussed. The review indicated that bio-inhibitors are potential candidates for clay swelling inhibition considering their low-cost, performance and environmental friendliness. The work provides guidelines and recommendations in selecting efficient shale destabilization inhibitors. © 2020 Elsevier B.V. %T A perspective on the potential application of bio-inhibitors for shale stabilization during drilling and hydraulic fracturing processes %A A.K. Quainoo %A B.M. Negash %A C.B. Bavoh %A T.O. Ganat %A B.N. Tackie-Otoo %I Elsevier B.V. %V 79