Effective detection and characterisation of biofilms

The National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) is holding a Biofilm Detection Workshop on 24th September in Birmingham.

Biofilms are formed by groups of microorganisms when cells stick to each other adhere to a surface. They can occur in a multitude of  situations across the built and natural environment, and can have effects across multiple sectors and supply chains, including manufacturing, food, medical devices and transport. In fact biofilms are part of everyday life Рfrom the plaque that builds up on our teeth to the biofouling on ships’ hulls.

Biofilms tend to be regarded as a problem, but they can be a useful resource providing benefits such as the removal of pollutants, the potential production of pharmaceuticals and the production of biofuels on an industrial scale, as highlighted in a recent KTN report.

The National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) is hosting its first industrial/academic cross-sector Workshop on Biofilm Detection on Monday September 24th at the De Vere Venues, Colmore Gate, Birmingham. The selection of this theme is based on an attendee vote at a KTN event held in April 2017, which concluded that one of the greatest needs in the biofilms field was the effective detection and characterisation of biofilms.

Dr Mark Richardson, Chief Executive Officer of the National Biofilms Innovation Centre, said:

“This will be an essential session for anyone in an industrial or academic setting with an interest in biofilms and their detection and keen to meet others who share this interest. This event is open to all commercial/industrial concerns and to UK academics whose institution is either currently, or plans to be, a member of NBIC.”

“We will be discussing approaches to achieve accurate quantitative and actionable biofilm detection across multiple scales and sectors (e.g. the built & natural environment, manufacturing processes and supply chain, finished products,¬† food, human and veterinary health) through sensing, diagnostic and imaging technologies.”

The workshop will explore problem areas, unmet needs and opportunities in commercial contexts and will review the current state of scientific progress in biofilms detection.

Anticipated outputs will include:

• Opportunities to make new connections and form new collaborations
• Additions to the evolving NBIC map of the biofilm scientific/needs landscape
• Agreed priorities and opportunities for translational projects and research investment to influence funders and drive NBIC activities

Please write to nbic@biofilms.ac.uk to express your interest in participating in this workshop.

The workshop takes place on Monday September 24th (10:00 Р16:00) at the De Vere Venues, Colmore Gate, Birmingham. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

 

Note: The NBIC call for proposals for Proof of Concept (PoC) projects from interested parties who have the experience and knowledge necessary to investigate and exploit areas in which biofilms play a central part is currently open. The application deadline is 24th August 2018. You can find out more here.