Biofilm Control Agents

Biofilm control agent (BFC) is highly effective on inhibiting biofilm (BF) formation and on removing accumulated biofilms.
For example, the use of BFC to RO membrane can reduce biofouling (*1) and consequently reduce the frequency of washing and replacement of RO membrane.
*1. Clogging the membrane by biofilms or the other substances derived from bacterial cells

Biofilm control agent: BR series

Characteristics

BFC has Quorum quenching effect (*2) that suppress the formation of biofilm which is different from bactericides.
BFC is non-oxidizing, non-bactericidal, neutral pH, therefore is safety and does not damage any materials.
BFC is composed of non-poisonous and non-deleterious substance and non-hazardous material.
There is no need to adjust the pH because BFC is effective over a wide range of pH.
When used in combination with a bactericide, the effect of the bactericide can be maintained compared to when only bactericide is used (because the biofilm is not formed by the action of BFC, the opportunity for contact between the bactericide and bacteria is maintained). Therefore switching to a safer bactericide and reduce of bactericide concentration can be expected (Cannot be used with sodium hypochlorite).

*2. Inhibiting effect on biofilm formation via bacterial cell-cell signaling called quorum sensing (QS).

Product list

↓ Please scroll to the side to see

term	BR-105	BR-108	BR-109	BR-110
Appearance	Colorless liquid	Colorless liquid	Light brown liquid	Light brown liquid
Mechanism of action on BF	Inhibition of QS, detergent action	Inhibition of QS	Inhibition of QS	Inhibition of QS, detergent action
Effect	Inhibition of BF formation, Removal of BF	Inhibition of BF formation	Inhibition of BF formation	Inhibition of BF formation, Removal of BF
Recommended concentration	10%	10 %	0.35 %	0.35 %
Freezing Temperature(°C)	-4～-2℃	-4～-2℃	4～6℃	-2～0℃
Dispersibility in water	Good	Good	Require stir for about 5 min	Good, but require slightly stir
pH	7.0～8.0	6.0～8.0	5.8～8.0	6.0～7.0
BR-110	6 months (25 °C or less) No performance deterioration due to freeze – thaw.	6 months (25 °C or less) No performance deterioration due to freeze – thaw.	6 months (25 °C or less) No performance deterioration due to freeze – thaw.	Still confirming

Action mechanism

Biofilm formation is prevented by quorum sensing inhibitor.

Accumulated biofilms and fouling substances (*3) are effectively removed by surfactant appropriate to biofilm detachment (BR-105, BR-110).

*3. Substances derived from bacteria causing membrane clogging

Accumulated biofilms and fouling substances derived from bacteria

Effect of suppressing biofilm formation

Biofilm-forming bacteria (Pseudomonas sp) were cultured in medium containing BFC.
After incubation, biofilms formed on the wall of the culture plate were stained with crystal violet (staining intensity depend on the amount of biofilm), and the staining intensity of BFC treatment was compared with Blank (without BFC).

Amount of biofilms（Abs595nm,37℃）

	BFC
Inhibiting rate of biofilm formation (%)	88
Viable cell number (cfu/mL)	10⁸

BF formation rate on Blank: 0%

Viable cell number on Blank: 10^8~9

BFC can inhibit biofilm formation on various materials such as RO membranes and silicon tubes as well as plastic plate.

・Biofilm-forming bacteria (Pseudomonas sp) were cultured in medium containing BFC.

・After incubation, the biofilm formed on RO membranes and silicon tubes were subjected to crystal violet staining.

Biofilms on RO membrane

Biofilms on Silicon tube

Observation of suppression of BF formation on RO membranes using a confocal microscope.

The BFC suppress the formation of BF itself, rather than suppressing the adhesion of bacteria to the surface of various substances.

Measure BF quantity after cultivation of BF-forming bacteria on RO membrane previously treated with BFC.
Compare the volume of BF per unit area of RO membrane.

Confocal micrograph 2,17 hours after the start of BF formation.

Green fluorescence represents BF on the RO membrane surface.

Amount of Biofilms

Effect of biofilms removal

BF forming bacteria (Pseudomonas sp) were cultured, and BF were pre-formed on the walls of the culture plate.
Incubated after added BR-105 or BR-110 to above culture plate.
Stained residual biofilms on the walls of culture plate with crystal violet (staining intensity depend on the amount of biofilm).
BR-105 or BR-110-treated was compared with Blank (non-treated) about intensity of stain (Amount of biofilm).

Amount of residual biofilms (Abs595nm,37℃）

	BR-105	BR-110
BF removal rate(%)	74	83

BF removal rate on Blank: 0%

Effect of suppressing RO-Membrane clogging

BFC moderates increase of differential pressure or inlet pressure in RO module (*4) by suppressing biofouling.
(It is expected to extend the time until manual cleaning or membrane change by approximately 3-fold.)
The following is shown the image of biofouling suppression effects of BFC on the differential pressure or inlet pressure in RO module during desalination operation.

*4. Differences of pressure between input (feed water side) and output (concentrated wastewater side)

Expected application

Suppression of biofouling on desalination membranes such as RO membranes.
Measures of biofilms generate in various facilities such as cooling towers, hot springs, and bathroom. (Measures against Legionella.)
Addition of biofilm formation inhibitory effect by kneading into resin or coating on members.
Measures of biofilms generate in medical devices.
Measures of bacterial infectious diseases caused by biofilms.

We are working with our clients to develop a variety of practical applications.
For further information, please contact us from inquiry form on our website.

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