Sulfate-reducing bacteria: Unraveling biofilm complexity, stress adaptation, and strategies for corrosion control

Sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) are anaerobes that play a pivotal role in the global sulfur cycle, influencing both environmental and industrial processes. SRB-mediated sulfate reduction facilitates the bioprecipitation of heavy metals, offering potential applications in bioremediation; however, the metabolic byproducts (e.g., H₂S) contribute to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) in industrial infrastructure. Over the decades, MIC has been a significant contributor to global corrosion-related economic losses, notably in oil pipelines, marine vessels, and gas storage facilities. MIC is primarily driven by SRB biofilms, which accelerate metal degradation through extracellular electron transfer mechanisms and sulfide-induced pitting corrosion. The ability of SRB to form structured biofilms enhances their resilience under environmental stressors (e.g., oxidative stress, metal toxicity, and pH fluctuations). However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying SRB biofilm development and stress adaptation remain poorly understood. Recent advances in omics strategies- transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have provided deeper insights into SRB physiology, revealing key genetic determinants of biofilm formation and quorum sensing-mediated regulation. Nevertheless, knowledge gaps persist regarding the molecular basis of SRB community interactions, extracellular electron transfer pathways, and the impact of multi-stressor environments on biofilm resilience. This review critically examines the dual role of SRB in both detrimental and beneficial processes, highlighting recent molecular developments in SRB biofilm research and MIC mitigation strategies. We also discuss emerging approaches, including systems biology interventions, quorum sensing inhibitors, and computational modeling, to develop targeted solutions for controlling MIC while harnessing SRB for sustainable environmental applications.