Interior polynomial for signed bipartite graphs and the HOMFLY polynomial

The interior polynomial is an invariant of bipartite graphs, and a part of the HOMFLY polynomial of a special alternating link coincides with the interior polynomial of the Seifert graph of the link. We extend the interior polynomial to signed bipartite graphs, and we show that, in the planar case, it is equal to a part of the HOMFLY polynomial of a naturally associated link. We also establish some other, more basic properties of this new notion. This leads to new identities involving the original interior polynomial.