Microbially reduced flavins destabilize the TiO2 passive film of titanium under bulk aerobic conditions

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ID: 320623
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Passive metals protected by surface oxide films dominate modern structural materials. Thus, understanding the mechanisms governing passive film breakdown is essential. The electronically insulating TiO2 passive film on titanium separates the underlying Ti° from environmental oxidants, but microbial biofilms have been reported to catalyze titanium corrosion. Here we demonstrate that the common marine microbe Shewanella algae growing on titanium reduces TiO2 to destabilize the passive film. The biofilm consumes oxygen, generating anaerobic conditions near the metal interface even when the bulk environment remains aerobic. High-resolution characterizations reveal thinning of the passive layer and accumulation of lower-valence titanium oxides. Electrochemical analyses show a six-fold increase in corrosion current from Ti0 accompanied by enhanced pitting. Mutant studies and other approaches indicate that extracellular flavins function as an intermediary electron carrier for S. algae TiO2 reduction. These results demonstrate how microbes create localized microenvironments that accelerate corrosion of otherwise highly corrosion-resistant metals.
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openalex_W7168027228 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Jiaqi Li, Jia Lu, Yongqiang Fan, Feng Li, Xiangying Meng, Arjan Mol, Fang Wang, Tingyue Gu, Upadrasta Ramamurty, Dake Xu, D Lovley
Journal national science review
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/nsr/nwag426
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwag426
Keywords Keywords not found

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