BIOFILMS
Project Description
This project is focused on researching new technologies for improving biofilm control in food industries, aiming to offer more effective solutions for hygiene control.
Biofilms are communities of microorganisms which adhere to surfaces and are embedded in a protective membrane. Biofilms are difficult to detect and remove and as such they are a cause of concern in food industries. Current detection techniques are expensive, complex or non-specific (ATP measurements, culture sampling), while removal of biofilms involves using enzymatic products that are more expensive and less functional tan standard cleaning products.
Overcoming these limitations, Betelgeux has developed innovative solutions for controlling biofilm presence in food industries. These solutions are:
- A novel test for rapid and easy detection of biofilms: TBF 300 BIOFILM DETECTION TEST. This test consists in a product that is applied as foam on surfaces. The foam contains a dyeing agent that adheres to the biofilm matrix. After rinsing the surface, the color is removed except in areas where biofilm has grown.
- A high performance products range for removal of biofilm from surfaces (QUACIDE BF31) and in circuits (QUACIDE BF31 EC). These products contain a mixture of ingredients that effectively detach biofilm from surfaces, degrades biofilm matrix and kill the microorganisms inside the biofilm. The ingredients are all chemically-based, allowing a lower cost while maintaining their efficiency compared to enzymatic products.
Project participants
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Betelgeux, leading and coordinating project activities and responsible for adapting results obtained to market needs.
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Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Department of Nutrition, Bromatology and Food Technology), supporting the development of biofilm detection techniques.
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Centro tecnológico Ainia, supporting the development of biofilm removing products.
Funding:
- CDTI (IDI-20101166)
- Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional
More info: www.biofilmtest.com