Biofilm Issues in Household Products

Consumer interest in microbial risks in the household has driven many household product companies to investigate the phenomenon of biofilm's increased resistance to traditional disinfectants compared to free-floating organisms.  One of the more prominent CBE research efforts involves understanding why biofilm microorganisms can require 100 to 1,000 times higher disinfection levels to get the same rate of kill as with suspended microorganisms.  CBE investigators have developed new models to explain biofilm's enhanced resistance to antimicrobials.  The CBE models incorporate fundamental knowledge on (a) the reaction of antimicrobials with the biofilm, (b) metabolic heterogeneity within the biofilm and (c) the genetic differences of biofilm microorganisms compared to suspended microorganisms. The CBE has been involved in evaluating and researching the impact of biofilms and biofilm control in such household environments as the following:

• Drains
• Food preparation surfaces
• Swimming pools and spas
• Toilets

In addition to direct applications of CBE technology to evaluate commercial household disinfection technologies, the CBE has developed biofilm analytical methods and is working with government regulators to promote standardized methods and criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of disinfectants against biofilm.

To find out more about CBE research in household disinfectants, or to learn how you can attend a workshop or industrial meeting, please email Paul Sturman or phone 406 994-2102.

CBE Industrial Associate members in the household products industry

Photo at left:

Biofilm in a simulated household drain.

Above: "Biofilm reactor" used to study biofilms in toilets.