Innovative flow chamber for fluorescence microscopic analysis of biofilm formation

In food and pharmaceutical industries biofouling poses a high risk for products and consumers. In order to minimize the potential for biofouling it is important to understand the mechanisms of the first stages of biofilm formation. To study these mechanisms and to characterize anti-adhesive materials and surfaces a modular flow cell system with a parallel plate flow chamber was established [1]. 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. The flow cell can be easily and rapidly adapted to meet different requirements. It was possible to test different surfaces according to their anti-adhesive properties. Furthermore, we monitored the first hours of biofilm formation of E. coli SM2029 online.