Biofilm Bioprocesses

Abstract

This text reviews current knowledge on biofilm formation, properties, and specific characteristics and relates them to bioprocesses with industrial interest in the environmental, fine-chemistry, and alternative energy fields. From the basics to the most recent evaluations of biofilm bioprocesses, going through the technological aspects of engineered systems, a thorough presentation is made of microorganisms, metabolic processes, and determinant biologic and processual parameters. These issues are also related to different bioreactors according to a generic approach, so the whole thematic is placed in a perspective for researchers, biologists, and engineers working on the subject. Applications of such processes are also highlighted.