Biofilm Expertise & Persistent Contamination
CONFORMATECH supports businesses in studying biofilms, from detection in industrial environments through to characterisation and evaluation of strategies to control them.
Our approach combines applied microbiology, on-site investigation and experimental models adapted to the challenge at hand.
Why study biofilms?
Microorganisms in industrial environments do not always behave as free-floating cells in suspension.
When they attach to a surface and develop an extracellular matrix, they can form organised communities able to persist in certain areas despite routine cleaning and disinfection.
This organisation can:
- promote the persistence of microorganisms on surfaces;
- reduce their susceptibility to certain antimicrobial treatments;
- create microbiological reservoirs that are difficult to identify;
- contribute to repeated contamination incidents;
- make results obtained with planktonic cells insufficient to understand certain industrial situations.
Studying biofilms therefore goes beyond a simple microbiological result to improve understanding of how microorganisms actually behave in their environment.
What we offer
On-site biofilm investigation
We investigate areas that may encourage microbial adhesion and persistence:
- surfaces and equipment;
- seals and connections;
- difficult-to-access areas;
- damp environments;
- production circuits and equipment;
- locations with recurring contamination.
Investigation may combine inspection, biofilm-revealing tools, targeted sampling and microbiological analyses.
Assessing biofilm-forming capacity
Microorganisms isolated from an industrial environment can be studied to assess their behaviour under biofilm-forming conditions.
Depending on the challenge, we can study:
- microbial adhesion;
- biomass formation;
- formation kinetics;
- the influence of the growth medium;
- the influence of temperature or other environmental parameters;
- differences between strains or experimental conditions.
Biofilm models
CONFORMATECH can establish reproducible experimental models adapted to the microorganisms and the issue being studied.
Depending on the project, studies may use multi-well plate systems to compare growth conditions, treatments or concentrations.
Single-species or more complex models can be developed where scientifically relevant.
Evaluating antibiofilm treatments
We can study the effects of solutions or protocols intended to prevent, reduce or eliminate a biofilm.
Studies can compare:
- different products or formulations;
- different concentrations;
- different contact times;
- different treatment sequences;
- effects on biofilm formation;
- effects on an established biofilm.
The objective is to generate data useful for selecting or optimising a treatment strategy.
Characterisation and visualisation
Depending on project requirements and the analytical resources available, characterisation may cover:
- biomass;
- microbial viability;
- biofilm structure;
- the extracellular matrix;
- response after treatment;
- interactions between microorganisms and surfaces.
Bespoke models
Every industrial contamination incident has a different context.
When standard tests do not sufficiently reproduce the situation encountered, CONFORMATECH can develop a model adapted to the client's microorganism, surface, medium or environmental conditions.
This approach allows issues directly related to food production and industrial environments to be studied.
Persistent contamination
Recurring contamination does not automatically mean that a biofilm is present.
CONFORMATECH also investigates other possible sources of persistence: difficult-to-clean areas, recontamination, equipment, water, moisture, procedural shortcomings or other environmental reservoirs.
Our objective is to determine why contamination keeps returning before recommending the most appropriate corrective measures.
Facing recurring contamination or suspecting a biofilm? Contact our team to discuss your challenge.
Let’s discuss your project