Biofilms as sustainable tools for environmental biotechnologies: an interdisciplinary approach

Abstract

Although biofilms in some contexts can be described as prejudicial by the negative impacts caused, there are even more beneficial properties exclusive of this second microbial lifestyle as tools for multiple biotechnological applications. Bioremediation of contaminated environments, biocatalysis, probiotic production, biofertilizers based on plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), development of new materials, among others, are clear examples of biofilm-based processes. Understanding the biofilm formation from attachment to maturation, matrix composition, chemical interactions with different compounds -both nutrients and toxics-, sessile cell behaviors and metabolic activities require an interdisciplinary study, conjugating different methodologies and expertise to be integrated. Deepen this knowledge is the way to exploit the biofilm state in the development of environmentally safe processes and the restoration of the anthropogenically modified biosphere.