We provide a modular platform for standardized biofilm cultivation and analysis – for flexible use in your own laboratory or as a service through us.
In their natural environment, bacteria almost never live freely in solution, but are organized in so-called biofilms – complex microbial communities that adhere to surfaces. They are known, for example, as a slippery layer on river stones or as a coating in sewage pipes.
The behavior of bacteria in biofilms differs fundamentally from that of free-swimming cells. Anyone who wants to understand or influence microbial reality – be it in the environment, medicine or technology – has to work with biofilms.
At the Hamburg University of Technology, we are researching the formation, structure and function of biofilms in order to better understand their behavior and to be able to influence it in a targeted manner. The aim of our work is not only to make biofilm processes visible, but also to make them technically usable or controllable – be it to prevent contamination, in medicine or for biotechnological applications.
Our platform enables the precise cultivation and analysis of biofilms under realistic conditions. All relevant environmental factors are monitored, automatically controlled and documented – for reproducible results with minimal effort.
The composition and flow rate of the culture medium can be precisely regulated. Complex supply patterns, for example in the form of programmed cycles, can also be easily implemented. This allows the biofilm to grow under constant or dynamic conditions – just like in nature.
The gas supply can also be controlled: for anoxic cultivation (e.g. of soil bacteria that live without oxygen), gases can be added in a targeted manner. Temperature conditions are maintained continuously or – if desired – also adjusted in cycles.
Specially developed biofilm chips are at the heart of the cultivation process. These are available in various standard models, but can also be customized if required.
Our platform goes beyond pure cultivation – it offers a wide range of possibilities for analysis:
All analysis processes are based on automated protocols – for example in complex „fluorescence in situ hybridization“ (FISH). This eliminates manual work steps and the data quality remains consistently high.
We provide various modular systems, specialized components and automated processes for the cultivation and analysis of biofilms.
This unit offers a fully integrated system for the controlled cultivation of biofilms. The biofilm chip is inserted by click-in and all further steps are carried out via an intuitive software interface.
The system controls
This creates precise, flexibly programmable growth conditions – ideal for a wide range of biofilm-related issues.
„Fluorescence in situ hybridization“ (FISH) is used to understand which bacteria are present in the biofilm – an established method that makes microorganisms specifically visible. Different types of bacteria are marked with fluorescent dyes (e.g. red, blue or green) so that their spatial distribution and interactions within the biofilm can be identified.
Our automated unit completely takes over what would otherwise be a laborious manual process: Up to twelve different reagents – combined with precisely timed incubation times and temperature changes – are processed independently by the system. The biofilm chip is inserted by click-in and the process is started by software. The sample runs through the entire protocol within one night – without any manual effort and with consistently high quality and reproducibility.
The automated FISH box not only saves time and resources, but also creates the basis for precise analyses of microbial communities – in a standardized, efficient and reliable manner.
In addition to our complete systems, we also provide individual components for flexible use. If required, we can carry out cultivation and analyses for you. We are also available for advice and support with biofilm-related projects.
bioinformatiq provides molecular insights into microbial systems – even where imaging methods reach their limits. Using modern sequencing and analysis methods, we identify microorganisms, decipher their functions and uncover interactions. In this way, we make complex biofilms accessible and systematically analyzable based on data.
With spraymatiq, we bring biofilms specifically to where they are needed. Our technology for sprayable biofilms enables rapid, controlled growth on different surfaces – scalable, customizable and ideal for robust applications in biotechnology, material protection and resource-saving process control.
Our technology combines microbial and chemical reaction steps to create a seamless and truly zero-waste production line for high performance polymers. Sustainability is at our hearts: We keep carbon bound and prevent the emission of greenhouse gases such as CO2, CH4 and N2O, unlike other sludge treatment processes.
micromatiq
Hamburg University of Technology
Institut für Technische Mikrobiologie V-7
Kasernenstraße 12 (F)
21073 Hamburg
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