Physiology of microalgal biofilm: a review on prediction of adhesion on substrates

In view of high energy cost and water consumption in microalgae cultivation, microalgal-biofilm-based cultivation system has been advocated as a solution toward a more sustainable and resource friendlier system for microalgal biomass production. Algal-derived extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) form cohesive network to interconnect the cells and substrates; however, their interactions within the biofilm are poorly understood. This scenario impedes the biofilm process development toward resource recovery. Herein, this review elucidates on various biofilm cultivation modes and contribution of EPS toward biofilm adhesion. Immobilized microalgae can be envisioned by the colloid interactions in terms of a balance of both dispersive and polar interactions among three interfaces (cells, mediums and substrates). Last portion of this review is dedicated to the future perspectives and challenges on the EPS; with regard to the biopolymers extraction, biopolymers’ functional description and cross-referencing between model biofilms and full-scale biofilm systems are evaluated. This review will serve as an informative reference for readers having interest in microalgal biofilm phenomenon by incorporating the three main players in attached cultivation systems: microalgae, EPS and supporting materials. The ability to mass produce these miniature cellular biochemical factories via immobilized biofilm technology will lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and feasible production.