Recent Advances in Industrial Applications of Biofilms by Bibliographic Analysis

Biofilms are structured microbial communities embedded in self-produced extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), offering protection and resilience in diverse environments. While harmful biofilms can cause antibiotic-resistant infections, beneficial biofilms have transformative industrial applications, such as pollutant removal, bioremediation, and electricity generation through microbial fuel cells. These applications utilize biofilms' natural capabilities, including pollutant degradation and electron transfer. This paper investigates biofilm industrial applications by conducting a bibliographic analysis of 1,000 recent studies. It identifies key research trends, organizations, and countries/regions leading biofilm innovation. Case studies highlight biofilm-based technologies and their integration into environmental and energy solutions. Additionally, the study explores the potential of big data and machine learning to enhance biofilm applications, suggesting a future where predictive models based on extensive biofilm databases optimize performance and efficiency. This research provides critical insights into biofilm applications, offering a roadmap for advancing sustainable innovations and addressing global challenges effectively.