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Biofilm Engineering Research Group

Mission Statement
SEM image of mixed biofilm from corrosion site The Biofilm Engineering Research Group at the Calgary Center for Innovative Technology (University of Calgary) is a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers who focus on developing promising control strategies for Biofilm-relevant medical, industrial and environmental applications.

Why are Biofilms Important ?
The cost to society associated with Biofilms is estimated to range in the billions of dollars annually. [Ref(1)] Biofilms are responsible for 65 % of soft tissue and wound infections [Ref(2)]; and the main  cause of endocarditis, medical implants and cystic fibrosis-associated infections. In industry, Biofilms are related to food and drinking water contamination, metal surface corrosion, reducing hSEM image of biofilm developed by MRSA strain derived from infected catheter eat transfer, clogging water and air filters and pollution of environment. On the positive side, there is a great beneficial potential in controlling Biofilms as these participate in bioremediation, oil recovery, biofuel production, fermentation processes and in agricultural soil enrichment.

Our Vision
We believe that both detrimental and beneficial Biofilms are affected by their fluid environment. Our hypothesis is that modification of various hydrodynamic parameters and fluid properties may alter the microenvironment of Biofilms and subsequently affect Biofilm integrity, defense mechanisms, retention, and physiological and biochemical activities. Therefore, we focus on understanding the fundamental processes which underlie the interactions between the Biofilm and its environment. We apply this knowledge to manipulate Biofilm viability and activities in order to minimize problems related to Biofilms and elucidate the advantages Biofilms can provide.