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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Methodologies for Studying B. subtilis Biofilms as a Model for Characterizing Small Molecule Biofilm Inhibitors
Published on: October 9, 2016
Periphytic biofilms entrap CO2 from industrial gas mixtures
Lei Zhou1, Hong Chen1, Yonghong Wu2
1State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 298 Chuangyou Road, Nanjing 211135, China.
Abstract:
Industrial systems contribute approximately 30% of total anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Microalgal-based CO2 capture from industrial off-gases is a promising self-sustainable technology, but its efficacy is limited by the toxicity of high CO2, SOX, and NOX. Periphytic biofilms (PBs), composed of microalgae, bacteria, and abiotic components, can overcome these limitations through enhanced collective tolerance and CO2 fixation efficiency. This resilience arises from matrix-mediated physicochemical gradients and community-level adaptations, including metabolite exchange, horizontal gene transfer, and intercellular signaling. Translating PBs into a viable industrial technology requires a coordinated strategy encompassing advanced photobioreactor design, innovative material development, and microbial community regulation. Overcoming challenges related to biofilm stability, system scalability, and economic feasibility is crucial for advancing tailored PB systems for industrial carbon capture.
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