132180Biofilm Activity Analyser for Healthcare ApplicationsClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKBiofilm formation associated with water storage units in the healthcare industry is a serious issue in e.g. dental healthcare and renal dialysis, due to potential bacterial infections. Biofilm build-up in the non-disposable plastic pipes connecting dental water systems and dialysis catheters, in particular, are a cause for increasing concern amongst healthcare professionals. Current monitoring techniques required as part of dental and dialysis guidelines do not provide continuous assessment of biofilm activity. Instead, monitoring is based on lab techniques, or dip-stick kits, which can take many days to complete. We aim to investigate the feasibility of new innovative technology based around biocompatible diamond electrochemical sensors, which can be miniaturised and placed directly in the appropriate tubing. The sensor will provide real-time, continuous feedback on biofilm growth, thus immediately informing on "unsafe" biofilm levels and recommending biocide treatment procedures. As the diamond sensor is chemically resistant long term placement is possible. This feasibility study will be carried out between the SME Process Instruments and the University of Warwick.