Real time visualisation & modelling of biofilm inhibition by lactam
Lead Participant:
UNILEVER U.K. CENTRAL RESOURCES LIMITED
Abstract
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.
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.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
---|---|---|
UNILEVER U.K. CENTRAL RESOURCES LIMITED | £49,952 | £ 24,976 |
  | ||
Participant |
||
UNIVERSITY OF YORK | £49,893 | |
UNIVERSITY OF YORK |
People |
ORCID iD |
Panos Kotsakis (Project Manager) |