Biofilms and deteriorations of materials: From analysis of the phenomenon to prevention strategies

The formation of a bacterial biofilm is a complex phenomenon involving the medium, the bacteria, and the colonized surfaces. It results from energetic interactions between the surfaces of the material and of the micro-organisms, and from their response to the adhesion and to the increase of their cellular density. The formation of an extracellular polymeric matrix is at the origin of the biofilm resistance to biocides and is involved in the acceleration of the biocorrosion by creating an anoxic zone in which anaerobic bacteria grow, and by trapping anodic breakdown products of metal surfaces. The prevention of biofouling and biocorrosion in marine environments can be ensured by antifouling coatings. Prohibition to use organostanic paintings in 2008 led to the development of self-polishing paints able to release biocides other than TBT. The evolution of these antifouling paints by taking into account the latest discoveries on cell-to-cell communication molecules and the use of new polymers is discussed.