ABSTRACT
Microbial corrosion is defined as degradation of metallic/non-metallic materials caused by activities of microorganisms. It is a major concern worldwide for a range of industries and has received attention due to huge economic loss. Microbial metabolic activities change the chemistry of metal in the vicinity and affect its chemical kinetics at the anodic/cathodic reactions. Typically, microbes form a biofilm synergistically which contains sessile cells, extracellular polymeric substances, enzymes, etc. These produced microbial biofilm uses various defense mechanisms against its harsh environment where sessile cells are more resistant to treatment as compared to planktonic cells. Thus, biocides and scrubbing are generally applied for the treatment of these problematic biofilms. Unfortunately, the chemical treatments suppress the microbial species but not the resistant microbes. For biofilm mitigation, therefore, repeated treatment cycles are required. These repeated cycles lead to biocide’s doses escalation, environmental problems, etc. In recent years, various new technologies such as bacteriophages, quorum sensing inhibitors, boosters of biofilms, plant extracts, etc. have been proposed for the treatment of problematic biofilms in industries. The present study assesses and recapitulates the various applied strategies against biofilm formation, and hence, reduce economic losses caused by microbial corrosion.
