Contact person
Charlotta Löfström
Forskare
Contact CharlottaBiofilm on surfaces - a problem in many industries
Biofilm formation is the microorganisms' way of protecting themselves against factors in the environment such as chemicals, antibiotics, heat etc. Biofilm therefore creates problems in many industries and environments, for example in water management in various contexts, in healthcare, in the paper industry and not least in the food industry.
Purpose
Research has shown that when a biofilm has formed, the microorganisms can be up to a thousand times less sensitive to, for example, antibiotics than when they live freely in a solution. Correspondingly, resistance to cleaning and disinfection chemicals, biocides, heat, but also to drying out increases.
The microorganisms that can form biofilm can in some cases cause disease if they are found on surfaces in the food industry ex. Listeria, in healthcare ex. Enterococci or in shower water in the form of Legionella. In the paper and other process industries, the biofilm can manifest itself, for example, in the form of product defects or clogged filters.
RISE can, with various methods, help prevent biofilm formation, for example by choosing the right type of material, means or design of equipment. We can also offer risk assessment in situations where risks may arise due to biofilm formation e.g. with stagnant water and the possibility of growth and spread of Legionella.
Method
We have methodology for testing and evaluation at different scales, from lab scale to large-scale in the form of smaller reactors and larger rigs, where you can circulate water to simulate biofilm construction and removal of biofilm. Combinations of different materials, chemicals, cleaning regimes and biofilm types can be evaluated.
At our microbiological lab, which is BSL 2 classified, we can analyze biofilm with traditional culture techniques, flow cytometry and MBEC to look at levels of microorganisms as well as with molecular techniques to get an identification of the microorganisms that occur.
Delivery
Examples of deliveries to customers:
- Basis for being able to choose suitable materials that counteract biofilm construction
- Help and advice to be able to design in a way that makes it difficult to build biofilms
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of chemicals in counteracting and removing biofilm
- Risk assessment and preventive measures with a focus on Legionella in water systems
