Real time visualisation & modelling of biofilm inhibition by lactam

Microbial control actives drive hygiene performance or preservation in FMCG formulations, packaging, and

processing. Today's petrochemical options are receiving safety, regulatory and NGO pressure and have been

shown to be ineffective on established biofilms on inert or biological surfaces. Current cleaning products

contain anti-microbial actives that improve surface hygiene and freshness by killing planktonic microbes. There

is increased industrial interest in commercialising anti-biofilm technologies that push the boundaries in health

and hygiene. Furanone derived lactam analogues jam quorum sensing. To-date it is not fully understood which

stage(s) of the process they impact on. This project aims to visualise in real-time phenotypic changes to non-

planktonic bacteria induced by a soluble lactam analogue and in tandem model the very earliest stages of non-

planktonic cell-surface association to lasting impact on mature biofilm structure and functionality. Monitoring

flow dynamics will shed light on cellular attraction and active diffusivity and help us identify the limiting

factor(s) in biofilm growth inhibition and design novel or complementary anti-biofilm technologies.