Biofilm‐Driven Microbial Colonization and Plastic Degradation

Plastic pollution remains a persistent environmental challenge with widespread ecological impacts. Biodegradation by microorganisms, particularly when facilitated by biofilm formation, has emerged as a promising strategy for mitigating this issue. In this chapter, we explore how microbial communities colonize plastic surfaces, with an emphasis on biofilm formation and quorum sensing mechanisms that promote adhesion, cooperative behavior, and enzymatic degradation activities. We also highlight the special capacity of extremophilic microbes to break down plastics under harsh conditions, and we examine the structural and molecular factors governing microbial-plastic interactions, such as polymer properties and microbial adaptive responses. Finally, recent discoveries in microbial consortia and specialized polymer-degrading enzymes are discussed, underscoring their potential contributions to sustainable plastic waste management.