The study of bacterial biofilms in dynamic environments using imaging, proteomic and genomic techniques

Biofilms cause significant challenges in systems under flow, causing bioclogging, corrosion, and contamination. The main aim of this project is to investigate biofilm formation in dynamic environments. Although there are many relevant studies elucidating biofilm formation mechanisms, majority of these were carried out in static environments; and as we know, environments in the real world that usually sustain biofilm-formation are dynamic and conditions always change. Examples of relevant dynamic environments that sustain biofilm formation include water distribution networks, water and wastewater treatment systems and piped systems in the oil and gas sector.
Therefore, using advanced imaging techniques such as CSLM coupled with genomic techniques such as RT-PCR and fluid dynamics, we are aiming to shed light on biofilms that form under different flow conditions, nutrient gradient, temperatures, cation concentrations. The main aim of the project is to identify parameters which are inhibitory to biofilm development, specifically under a fluid flow.
The work also aims to explore how pulsed flow can build up resilience and strength within the biofilm. Ultimately, with a more in depth understanding of biofilm formation in dynamic environments, we aim to identify novel ways to prevent biofilms from forming in these environments.