Microbial biofilms: Recent advances and progress in environmental bioremediation

Microbial biofilms are formed by adherence of the bacteria through their secreted polymer matrices. The major constituents of the polymer matrices are extracellular DNAs, proteins, polysaccharides. Biofilms have exhibited a promising role in the area of bioremediation. These activities can be further improved by tuning the parameters like quorum sensing, characteristics of the adhesion surface, and other environmental factors. Organic pollutants have created a global concern because of their long-term toxicity on human, marine, and animal life. These contaminants are not easily degradable and continue to prevail in the environment for an extended period. Biofilms are being used for the remediation of different pollutants, among which organic pollutants have been of significance. The bioremediation of organic contaminants using biofilms is an eco-friendly, cheap, and green process. However, the development of this technology demands knowledge on the mechanism of action of the microbes to form the biofilm, types of specific bacteria or fungi responsible for the degradation of a particular organic compound, and the mechanistic role of the biofilm in the degradation of the pollutants. This review puts forth a comprehensive summary of the role of microbial biofilms in the bioremediation of different environment-threatening organic pollutants.