Pseudoalteromonas spongiae-induced biomineralization on Q235B and 2507 steel for corrosion and biofouling resistance

Abstract

The biomineralization process is initiated when bacteria recruit dissolved mineral ions, leading to the spontaneous formation of biomineral layers on metal surfaces, which can substantially influence the service life of the metal. Herein, we investigated Pseudoalteromonas spongiae (P. spongiae)-induced biomineralization layer formation on Q235B carbon steel and 2507 duplex stainless-steel in bacterial suspension, and we evaluated the anti-corrosion and antifouling performance of mature biomineralized layers in artificial seawater (ASW). On Q235B, the higher surface reactivity promoted a uniform, dark-gray, superhydrophilic biomineralized layer with minor iron oxides. This layer increased interfacial (charge-transfer) resistance, suppressed corrosion, and reduced the attachment of Phaeodactylum tricornutum. On 2507, the native passive barrier limited nucleation, producing Ca–Mg carbonate deposits with locally exposed metal and faster charge transfer. Nonetheless, the hydrophilic protective layer still reduced biofouling in ASW. Overall, P. spongiae–mediated biomineralization was substrate-dependent, exhibiting dual anti-corrosion and antifouling capacity on carbon steel. On 2507, the heterogeneous biomineralized layer, while reducing biofouling, locally compromised the integrity of the passive film, resulting in pitting corrosion.

Keywords

Biofilm / Pseudoalteromonas spongiae / corrosion / biofouling / Q235B / 2507 stainless-steel

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