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Superwettable surfaces and factors impacting microbial adherence in microbiologically-influenced corrosion: a review
Deepti Rane1, Savita Kerkar2, Sutapa Roy Ramanan3
1School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, North Goa, Goa, India.
Abstract:
Microbiologically-influenced corrosion (MIC) is a common operational hazard to many industrial processes. The focus of this review lies on microbial corrosion in the maritime industry. Microbial metal attachment and colonization are the critical steps in MIC initiation. We have outlined the crucial factors influencing corrosion caused by microorganism sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), where its adherence on the metal surface leads to Direct Electron Transfer (DET)-MIC. This review thus aims to summarize the recent progress and the lacunae in mitigation of MIC. We further highlight the susceptibility of stainless steel grades to SRB pitting corrosion and have included recent developments in understanding the quorum sensing mechanisms in SRB, which governs the proliferation process of the microbial community. There is a paucity of literature on the utilization of anti-quorum sensing molecules against SRB, indicating that the area of study is in its nascent stage of development. Furthermore, microbial adherence to metal is significantly impacted by surface chemistry and topography. Thus, we have reviewed the application of super wettable surfaces such as superhydrophobic, superhydrophilic, and slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces as "anti-corrosion coatings" in preventing adhesion of SRB, providing a potential avenue for the development of practical and feasible solutions in the prevention of MIC. The emerging field of super wettable surfaces holds significant potential for advancing efficient and practical MIC prevention techniques.
Insights
Microbiologically-influenced corrosion (MIC) is a major maritime hazard. Super wettable surfaces show promise in preventing microbial adhesion and mitigating MIC, offering new anti-corrosion strategies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Microbiology
- Corrosion Engineering
Background:
- Microbiologically-influenced corrosion (MIC) poses significant operational risks, particularly in the maritime industry.
- Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are key contributors to MIC, initiating corrosion through direct electron transfer (DET-MIC).
- Understanding microbial adhesion and proliferation is crucial for developing effective corrosion mitigation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements and identify knowledge gaps in MIC mitigation strategies.
- To highlight the susceptibility of stainless steels to SRB-induced pitting corrosion.
- To explore the potential of super wettable surfaces as anti-corrosion coatings against SRB.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on MIC in the maritime sector.
- Analysis of factors influencing SRB adhesion and corrosion.
- Examination of quorum sensing mechanisms in SRB.
- Review of super wettable surface applications (superhydrophobic, superhydrophilic, SLIPS) for MIC prevention.
Main Results:
- SRB adherence to metal surfaces is a critical step in MIC initiation.
- Stainless steel grades exhibit susceptibility to SRB pitting corrosion.
- Quorum sensing in SRB regulates microbial community proliferation, with limited research on anti-quorum sensing molecules.
- Super wettable surfaces demonstrate potential in preventing SRB adhesion.
Conclusions:
- Effective MIC prevention requires addressing microbial adhesion and proliferation.
- Super wettable surfaces offer a promising avenue for developing practical anti-corrosion solutions against SRB.
- Further research into anti-quorum sensing strategies against SRB is warranted.
