Marine microbial biofilms on diverse abiotic surfaces

Abstract

Marine biofilms are globally ubiquitous surface-associated microbial communities that have gained increasing attention due to their distinctive structure and functions. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current scientific understanding, with a specific focus on naturally occurring biofilms that develop on diverse marine abiotic surfaces, including microplastics, seafloor sediments, subsurface particles, and submerged artificial structures susceptible to biocorrosion and biofouling induced by marine biofilms. This article presents recent advancements and discoveries concerning the diversity, structure, function, and dynamics of these surface-associated microbial communities in the marine environment, highlighting their ecological and biogeochemical dimensions, while also serving as an inspiration for further investigations into marine biofilms.