Preemptive biofilm colonization blocks microbial metal corrosion

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Materials science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Microbial corrosion poses significant economic and safety risks.
• Biofilms of noncorrosive microbes can reduce aerobic corrosion.
• The efficacy of biofilms against anaerobic corrosion remains largely untested.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of engineered Escherichia coli biofilms to inhibit anaerobic microbial metal corrosion.
• To assess the effectiveness of these biofilms compared to previously studied ones.

Main Methods:

• A strain of Escherichia coli was genetically modified for enhanced metal adherence and evolved for sulfide tolerance.
• The engineered E. coli biofilms were used to coat metal surfaces.
• Corrosion inhibition was evaluated against major anaerobic microbial corrosion pathways.

Main Results:

• The E. coli biofilms effectively inhibited all major anaerobic microbial iron corrosion routes, including proton, sulfide, and electroactive microbial attack.
• These biofilms demonstrated superior corrosion prevention compared to other reported microbial biofilms.
• The engineered biofilms showed enhanced metal adherence and sulfide tolerance.

Conclusions:

• Tailored microbial biofilms, such as the engineered E. coli strain, can serve as effective sustainable coatings against anaerobic corrosion.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for safeguarding critical metal infrastructure.
• The development of self-healing biofilm coatings presents a novel solution for corrosion mitigation.