Israeli Researchers Develop Biological Coating to Protect Marine Metals from Corrosion
Global corrosion costs reach an estimated 2.5 to 3 trillion dollars annually, accounting for 3.4% to 4% of the world’s GDP. Beyond economic damage to infrastructure and equipment, corrosion imposes a heavy environmental toll, with 25% to 40% of annual steel production used to replace rusted metal, contributing 1.6% to 3.4% of global CO2 emissions. Structural failures also cause leaks, marine and security infrastructure breakdowns, ecosystem pollution, and hazardous waste, making effective corrosion management both a financial necessity and a critical climate strategy. However, sustainable solutions have remained elusive.
Researchers at Reichman University have pioneered an innovative biological method to protect marine infrastructure from corrosion caused by prolonged seawater exposure. Published in Cell Reports Physical Science, the study led by engineer Avichai Nehemi and Dr. Pram Anand Morugan from the Scojen Institute for Synthetic Biology at the Dina Rekanati School of Medicine, proposes a safer, eco-friendly alternative to current chemical corrosion inhibitors, which are often costly and polluting.
The team developed a unique combination of bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis, a probiotic bacterium recognized as safe (GRAS), and other marine-origin bacteria. These microbes collaboratively form a dense, durable natural protective layer on metals commonly used in marine and electrochemical infrastructure, such as carbon steel and iron. Microscopic analysis revealed that the bacteria produce mineral layers, including aragonite crystals, that shield metals from seawater salts.
Tests showed this bacterial coating significantly slows metal rusting and degradation. Each bacterial species plays a distinct role, from creating favorable conditions to producing enzymes that build the regenerating mineral layer. Unlike single-species solutions, this multi-species approach offers stronger, longer-lasting protection even under harsh marine conditions.
The researchers believe this technology could lead to biological protective measures for ports, oil rigs, ships, and other marine infrastructure worldwide, reducing reliance on harmful chemicals and extending infrastructure lifespan while saving time and economic resources.
Dr. Ilana Kolodkin-Gal, head of the Microbiome and Synthetic Microbiology Lab at Scojen and the study’s lead investigator, emphasized the promise of harnessing biological systems to solve engineering challenges. She highlighted the interdisciplinary collaboration between biological engineering and electrochemistry as key to developing innovative, chemical-reducing solutions for protecting infrastructure exposed to extreme environments.
The research was conducted in partnership with Dr. Yuval Dorfen, head of the Synthetic Biology Lab at the Holon Institute of Technology, and funded by the National Science Foundation and two binational science foundation grants awarded to Dr. Kolodkin-Gal and Dr. Dorfen.
