Biofilm Alliance: A Network for Regulatory Sciences, Academic Research, and Industry Collaboration

Microbial biofilms, ubiquitous in natural and human environments. They present risks to health, introduce food safety concerns, disrupt production in oil and gas wells as well as green technologies such as blue hydrogen. They impact the efficiency of industrial processes (including power generation), contaminate potable water supplies and contribute to the deterioration of offshore assets. The economic impact of biofilms is estimated at US$5 trillion annually.

However, challenges in regulatory science hinder advancements in biofilm control, management and prevention. Outdated guidelines, limited dialogue between academic researchers, industry and regulators, and the absence of standardised biofilm methodologies create the pressing need for a systematic approach. To address these issues, a collaborative network involving researchers, industry experts, regulatory bodies, and standardisation agencies is proposed. This network aims to evaluate existing methodologies, recommend models, and establish a structured framework for interpreting biofilm data, ultimately creating a collection of recommended regulatory tools.

Leveraging new and established partnerships and initiatives, the project team will build a network with the objectives of bridging the gap between scientific advancements and regulatory decision-making, fostering innovation and addressing urgent challenges associated with biofilm control technologies. The network will also offer educational, knowledge exchange and capacity building initiatives and draw from previous initiatives and collaborations to support the development of recommended biofilm methods and regulations. The proposed network represents a strategic and collaborative effort to harness the power of regulatory science, unlocking innovation in the complex landscape of biofilm control technologies.