A Comprehensive Review of Biofilm Composition and Factors Affecting Efficacy in Microbial Bioremediation

Abstract

Biofilm-mediated bioremediation deploys the natural capabilities of microbial communities to remove environmental pollutants, offering a resilient and efficient means of pollutant degradation. This review highlights the critical role of biofilms in environmental pollution control, emphasizing their structural and functional attributes. Biofilms, complex assemblies of microorganisms, demonstrate superior capacity to absorb, immobilize, and degrade contaminants compared to planktonic cells. Key topics include biofilm formation, diversity, and the biochemical pathways utilized for pollutant breakdown. Applications include organic pollutant degradation, heavy metal detoxification, and the treatment of new pollutants such as microplastics and medications. Factors influencing biofilm efficacy, including environmental conditions and maturity, are examined alongside challenges such as resistance, stability issues, and limitations in large-scale applications. The utilization of genetically modified microbes, advancements in synthetic biology and biofilm engineering, and the combination of biofilm-mediated bioremediation with other technologies are the main topics of future research.