Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

A Platform of Anti-biofilm Assays Suited to the Exploration of Natural Compound Libraries
Published on: December 27, 2016
Biological control of microbial attachment: a promising alternative for mitigating membrane biofouling
1Division of Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
Abstract:
Microbial attachment to a solid surface is a universal phenomenon occurring in both natural and engineering systems and is responsible for various types of biofouling. Membrane systems have been widely applied in drinking water production, wastewater reuse, and seawater desalination. However, membrane biofouling is the bottleneck that limits the development of membrane systems. In this review, some biological control strategies of microbial attachment which would have great potential in alleviating membrane biofouling are discussed, including inhibition of quorum sensing system, nitric oxide-induced biofilm dispersal, enzymatic disruption of extracellular polysaccharides, proteins, and DNA, inhibition of microbial attachment by energy uncoupling, use of cell wall hydrolases, and disruption of biofilm by bacteriophage. It appears that biological control of microbial attachment would be a novel and promising alternative for mitigating membrane biofouling and would be a new research niche that deserves further study.
Related Concept Videos
Biological Methods for Microbial Control
Biofilms
Microbial Corrosion
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Production of Biopesticides

