A simple in vitro system for the study of biofilm

Abstract

A simple recirculating in vitro system has been developed for studying biofilm formation in aquatic systems. Many components of the system are disposable and cheap, and may be modified easily to reflect differing environments. The results obtained are in general agreement with the literature on biofilm development and morphology. Within 1 week in either turbulent or laminar flow, biofilm developed on test surfaces (plastics and stainless steel), with microbial stacks and water channels evident. After 11 weeks under turbulent flow, well‐defined streamers were evident. The system was used to determine the effect of high concentration of detergent on biofilm formation. In the presence of detergent, biofilm did not develop within 3 weeks, indicating that this adverse environment delayed biofilm formation.

Key words:

• biofilm
• detergent
• flow
• in vitro system
• streamers

Notes

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