Biocorrosion: towards understanding interactions between biofilms and metals

Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2004 Jun;15(3):181-6. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2004.05.001.

Abstract

The term microbially influenced corrosion, or biocorrosion, refers to the accelerated deterioration of metals owing to the presence of biofilms on their surfaces. The detailed mechanisms of biocorrosion are still poorly understood. Recent investigations into biocorrosion have focused on the influence of biomineralization processes taking place on metallic surfaces and the impact of extracellular enzymes, active within the biofilm matrix, on electrochemical reactions at the biofilm-metal interface.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biofilms*
  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Biotechnology / trends
  • Corrosion
  • Electrochemistry
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Iron / chemistry
  • Metals, Heavy / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Oxygen / chemistry
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Metals, Heavy
  • Polymers
  • Iron
  • Oxygen