Preventing bacteria build-up - Nature's way

Nature’s design to prevent bacteria build up.

How do you prevent bacterial build-up or biofilms (bacterial colonies) on boats or any surface in water, using an environmentally benign approach with no heavy metals or harmful chemicals? Sydney-based Professor Peter Steinberg found such a solution. Biosignal technology prevents or disrupts resistant biofilms without killing bacteria.This unique approach to bacterial control is aimed at delivering effective treatments whilst sidestepping the issue of bacterial resistance.

Steinberg explains how they came across their discovery: “Shallow marine organisms are subjected to a rain of fouling organisms from the water column –bacteria, algal spores, larvae – and so the ones with clean surfaces in those habitats are worth paying attention to. Steinberg and his colleague Staffan Kjelleberg discovered that the Delisia Pulchra plant didn’t kill bacteria. Instead, it emitted a molecule, furanones, to dissuade bacteria from colonising on its surface, effectively jamming the bacteria’s communication networks. The furanones jam cell-to-cell signaling systems that are pivotal to the ability of bacteria to form and maintain biofilms
Using this insight, they mimicked the chemical and have subsequently invented an environmentally friendly antifouling substance that can be used on surfaces in hospitals, contact lenses and paints to reduce slimy build-ups in an environmentally benign manner. The company they founded to commercialise this technology, Biosignal, was incorporated in 1999 and listed on the ASX in early April 2004.

Biosignal has the great advantage of multiple applications for its technology. Since the late nineties, the company has tested antibiofilm compounds and generated proof of concept data in a broad range of product categories in the medical, industrial and consumer fields. Specific products where proof of concept data has been generated include oil and gas, marine anti-fouling paints, water treatment applications, oral care products, cleaners, deodorants, contact lenses and contact lens solutions, catheters, and as a drug candidate for the treatment of lung infections.

Check the video at : http://www.biosignal.com.au/bioanimation.php