Biofilm-driven Microbial Corrosion: Structure, Function, and Visualization

Biofilms are structured microbial communities embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that adhere to material surfaces. On metal surfaces, biofilms can both accelerate and inhibit corrosion, suggesting that understanding their structural and functional properties is critical for effective corrosion control. This review introduces the fundamental characteristics of microbial biofilms, including their EPS composition, life cycle, and adaptive functions in response to environmental cues. Multispecies biofilms are the predominant state of natural environments, exhibiting metabolic cooperation, electron exchange, and structural robustness that is not often observed in laboratory monoculture conditions. The temporal and spatial dynamics of microbial association within complex biofilms are also highlighted.