Advances in understanding biofilm-based marine microbial corrosion

Abstract Microbially influenced corrosion and biofouling emerge as formidable challenges to the sustainable management and exploitation of marine resources. The primary instigator for these challenges lies in the insidious development of biofilm. Hence, the most direct and pivotal approach to counteracting microbial corrosion and biofouling resides in the advancement of anti-biofilm technologies. Conventional methodologies for combatting biofilm are efficient but have certain drawbacks, particularly environmental contamination and inefficacy. Research into innovative anti-biofilm technologies is imperative for more efficient use of marine resources and protection of the ecological equilibrium of the oceans. This paper offers a detailed examination of biofilm constituents, the complex processes involved in biofilm development, the various factors that affect biofilm formation, and the mechanisms underlying microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Furthermore, the article summarizes emerging, eco-friendly anti-biofilm technologies, while providing the evolving landscape of anti-biofilm strategies and promising prospects.