Systems and methods to detect biofilm streamer growth and their uses

US9752175B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY · US

Inventors

• Bonnie L. Bassler · Princeton, US
• Howard A. Stone · Princeton, US
• Knut Drescher · Princeton, US
• Yi Shen · Mountain View, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 5, 2015
• Grant date: Sep 5, 2017
• Expiry date: Jan 5, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12Q1/02
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Methods and systems of measuring biofilms and/or biofilm streamers are presented. The system has at least one channel, a biofilm streamer promotion element, a fluid capable of moving along the channel, wherein the fluid has a flow driven by a controlled pressure; and a measuring element capable of measuring a flow rate of the fluid through the channel. Additionally, methods of screening for compound(s) that promote and/or inhibit biofilm and/or biofilm streamers using this system are also presented. Uses of the system, methods and identified compounds are presented for medical and/or industrial environments.