The biocide potential of Tinospora cordifolia extract against biocorrosion caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a seawater-simulated environment

Biocorrosion caused by microbial activity in marine environments poses significant challenges in various industries. In this study, the biocide potential of Tinospora cordifolia extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced biocorrosion in a seawater-simulated environment was investigated. The extract was evaluated for its antimicrobial efficacy in biofilm formation using the immersion method for 24 h. Additionally, corrosion inhibition studies were conducted using electrochemical techniques to assess the protective effects of the extract on metal substrates exposed to P. aeruginosa and seawater. The experimental results showed that the corrosion rate was higher in the medium induced by P. aeruginosa (16.64 mpy) compared to the medium without P. aeruginosa (14.63 mpy). Furthermore, adding T. cordifolia extract effectively inhibited biofilm formation and decreased the corrosion rate. Corrosion studies revealed that the optimum inhibition efficiency of mild steel corrosion rate in seawater treated with 300 mg L−1 of the extract was 87.58%. The mechanism of inhibition of biofilm formation through physis-chemisorption (∆G: -25.39 kJ.mol−1), which involves phytochemical coordination with iron and increased surface integrity. These findings underline the potential of T. cordifolia extract as a promising biocide to reduce biocorrosion caused by P. aeruginosa in marine environments. Further studies on the extract’s mechanism of action and long-term efficacy under real-world conditions are needed to validate its practical application in industrial environments.