Characterization of a biofilm

What is a biofilm?

A biofilm is a community of microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, fungi) organized within an extracellular matrix adhering to a surface. These complex structures, often formed in humid environments, are resistant to antimicrobial agents and pose a significant risk to hygiene, food safety, and industrial processes.

Biofilms are ubiquitous in the agri-food, environmental, industrial plant, water treatment and animal nutrition sectors.

Why characterize a biofilm?

Analyzing a biofilm allows us to:

• Assess its microbial composition (bacteria, yeasts, molds)
• Determine its thickness, density, and biological activity
• Measuring its adhesion power to different materials
• Testing the effectiveness of anti-biofilm formulations or cleaning protocols
• Better understanding of the mechanisms of formation, maturation or resistance

This data is essential for R&D, optimization of cleaning processes, validation of antimicrobial products or quality control of industrial surfaces.

Available analytical methods

YesWeLab offers a multi-technical approach tailored to your objectives:

• Confocal fluorescence microscopy: 3D analysis of cell structure, thickness, and viability
• Crystal violet staining: overall quantification of biomass
• ATP measurement: assessment of the biological activity of the biofilm
• Next-generation sequencing (NGS): precise identification of microbial species present
• Spectroscopy (FTIR, Raman): chemical characterization of the extracellular matrix
• Adhesion tests: study of the resistance of the biofilm on different substrates (stainless steel, plastic, glass…)

The analysis is performed on surface samples, treated substrates or liquid media.

Affected matrices

• Industrial surfaces in contact with liquids (piping, equipment, tanks, production lines)
• Cleaning or disinfection systems
• Antimicrobial or natural formulations (essential oils, plant extracts)
• Process water, condensate, grey water
• Technical materials (ceramics, stainless steel, hydrophilic or hydrophobic plastics)

This service allows for a complete microbiological and physicochemical analysis of biofilms in production or laboratory testing contexts.

Industrial applications

• Contamination assessment in agri-food production lines
• Validation of disinfection protocols or anti-biofilm products
• Study of surface colonization in water treatment systems
• R&D in antimicrobial materials or eco-designed cleaning agents
• Health monitoring of livestock farms and animal nutrition equipment

Why choose YesWeLab?

YesWeLab connects you with expert laboratories in surface microbiology and biofilms. Our partners are ISO 17025 or COFRAC accredited and specialize in:

• Industrial microbiology
• Environmental DNA sequencing (NGS)
• Antimicrobial performance tests
• Characterization of complex or mixed biofilms

Thanks to our digital platform, you can centralize your requests, track the progress of your analyses and access your results securely.

Need to characterize a biofilm to validate a formulation or secure a surface?

Entrust your project to YesWeLab for reliable, fast, and actionable results.
Add this service to your quote or contact our team for personalized support.