Dharani Sathwik Ram Panchagnula

Electronic Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (E-MIC)

My research focuses on electronic microbiologically influenced corrosion (E-MIC), a bioelectrochemical corrosion mechanism in which electroactive microorganisms directly interact with metallic surfaces through extracellular electron transfer. Unlike conventional microbiologically influenced corrosion driven by corrosive metabolic by-products, E-MIC involves microbes extracting electrons directly from metals such as iron and steel to sustain their respiration and energy metabolism, thereby accelerating metal dissolution and localized corrosion. My work aims to understand the interfacial processes governing microbe–material electron exchange, including conductive biofilms, redox-active enzymes, and nanoscale electron transport pathways. By integrating principles of electrochemistry, materials science, and environmental engineering, this research seeks to elucidate fundamental mechanisms of microbe–metal interactions and develop strategies for corrosion monitoring, mitigation, and materials design in critical infrastructure and energy systems.