Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, our network did significant progress on the main research objectives:
UNDERSTANDING BIOFILM FORMATION: For the first time, the use of scanning electron microscopy at stainless steel surfaces was described. In addition, in situ infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (IR-ATR) was implemented for real-time and non-destructive observations of biofilm formation. The study of the mechanisms of biofilms formation and adhesion can be monitored at the single-cell level using scanning ion conductance microscopy, which provides information on cell membrane permeation dynamics and also on spatiotemporal characteristics of new treatments with antimicrobial activity
DETECTING BIOFILMS: Rapid, sensitive, and easy-to-use devices, such as Lab on a Disk or Lateral Flow Immunoassays were developed for detection of pathogens, achieving lower limits of detection in comparison with other works found in the literature. A new diamond based electrochemical sensor was developed for specific analysis of biofilms growth and inhibition by biocides. NIR-based system detection was implemented and tested in the agro food industry
BREAKING BIOFILMS: New products have been developed and/or formulated that showed antibacterial effect. In addition, they are a more sustainable alternative than traditional products used in the industry for the elimination of biofilms. A variety of new nanomaterials with antimicrobial activity have been produced, characterized, and tested. The nanomaterials are not only scalable and ready for industrial production. Nanomaterials hold strong antibiofilm activity with long-term bacteriostatic effects against foodborne pathogenic bacteria and related biofilms, making them an optimal choice for smart food packaging systems.
TRAINING THE BREAKERS: the cornerstone of this project, the next generation researchers. During the project, the network organized seven training events, which involved scientific training on a variety of techniques, communication in science and entrepreneurship sessions. In fact, our Breakers joined forces and their different cultural and scientific backgrounds to create highly interesting business proposals as a result of the entrepreneurship training plan, which may be a concept transferable to other ITN projects in the future.
The final event of the project was an open event, the Break Biofilm Workshop, held in Vienna on Janary 16-18, 2023. This event brought together experts in biofilm and bacterial research and set the stage for fruitful discussions with partners from other programs. The workshop was a success and a great opportunity for the ESRs to discuss and exchange opinions with experts in multidisciplinary fields, such as microbiology, biology, biochemistry, electrochemistry, and nanomaterials.
The main exploitable results that our netwok offer are:
• Universal reader for quantification in rapid tests (patent in preparation).
• Paper and nanoparticle based sensor for detection of pathogens.
• Near infrared spectroscopy sensor, with a portfolio of NIR-based chemometric algorithms for the detection and classification of most common biofilms formed in agrifood industry environments.
• Phage-derived products to remove biofilms
• Enzyme-nanoparticles antibacterial formulations
• Encapsulation of compounds with antimicrobial capacity, either traditional or natural compounds with reported antimicrobial capacity. Lyophilization and incorporation into films for food packaging applications.
• Production of novel nanomaterials with antimicrobial activity, ready for industrial production, for food packaging systems.
