Development and validation of new micro structures to provide anti-bio-fouling surface coatings

Biofilms are of importance in many areas. According to the world health organization (WHO) they are the cause of infectious diseases in 60 % of all cases. In industrial processes they pose a high risk as well. Biofouling and biocorrosion can cause material damage, which results, e. g., in higher energy requirements and decreased heat transfer performance in heat exchanger or contamination of products intended for human consumption. Then again they possess a high potential as catalytic biofilms used in wastewater treatment, bioleaching and increasingly in biotechnology.
In order to use or minimize the potential of biofouling it is important to understand the mechanisms of the first stages of biofilm formation. To study these mechanisms and to characterize, e. g., anti-adhesive materials and surfaces a modular flow cell system with a parallel plate flow chamber was established. It is designed for online observation of biofilm formation in continuous flow on opaque surfaces using a fluorescence microscope. The laminar flow ensures the maintenance of highly controlled conditions for biofilm growth. Parameters such as oxygen and nutrient levels can be regulated by medium supply. The flow cell can be easily and rapidly adapted to meet different requirements.
Thus, it is possible to study the adhesion behavior of microorganisms on various materials. In addition we are able to monitor the first stages of biofilm formation using a microscope equipped with an appropriate temperature control. With the aid of the achieved data we are in the position to characterize the local and time-related biofilm formation, and to derive parameters, like growth rate, biofilm height and biomass volume, which can be used in simulations.