Biofilm analysis

ADVANCING BIOFILM MEASUREMENTS WITH BIOCALORIMETRY

Detect viable cells, in-situ in undisrupted biofilm
Analyze subpopulations deep in the biofilm
Measure complex samples with relevant models
Continous detection, detailed metabolic insights
Standardized, rapid and reproducible

Biofilms are complex communities of cells coexisting in many different subpopulations. They are intrinsically tolerant to antimicrobial treatments and play a central role in chronic infections, medical device complications and material degradation. Traditional biofilm measurement methods such as CFU plate counting, microscopy and crystal violet assays often struggle with reproducibility issues, low throughput and cumbersome sample preparation. Because they rely on disrupting the biofilm, they also risk losing valuable information about biofilm structure and antimicrobial efficacy.

The calScreener biocalorimetry system detects viable cells, in-situ in undisrupted natural biofilms. It accelerates measurements, enables rapid hypothesis testing, supports method standardization and reveals deeper insights into microbial behavior.

BIOFILM MEASUREMENT WITH BIOCALORIMETRY

Isothermal microcalorimetry with the calScreener provides a direct, real-time measurement of metabolic heat produced by living microorganisms inside intact biofilms.

Unlike traditional biofilm assays, there’s no need to disturb or disrupt the biofilm to detect the biofilm containing cells. No stains, labels, or tracers required, the system simply measures the heat flow from viable cells in their natural environment. This accelerates and standardizes biofilm testing:

Monitor biofilm growth and antimicrobial tolerance continuously in real time
In-situ analyses of intact biofilms directly on surfaces without disruption or sample preparation
Detect metabolic activity from all viable cells, including dormant or embedded subpopulations
High-throughput and reproducible biofilm models

ADVANCING BIOFILM RESEARCH THROUGH METABOLIC MEASUREMENTS

To truly grasp the nature of biofilms, we have to measure the entire population holistically. While imaging and molecular techniques reveal structure and composition, they often miss the functional state of the community. Biocalorimetry offers a direct window into biofilm behaviour under realistic conditions. It bridges the gap between traditional models and clinically or environmentally relevant scenarios, paving the way for more accurate and impactful biofilm research.

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CLINICALLY RELEVANT WOUND TESTING

Developing new treatments for chronic wounds — whether antimicrobials, dressings, compounds, materials, or delivery systems — requires models that truly reflect the clinical environment. Traditional in vitro assays often oversimplify this complexity, leading to poor translation from lab to patient care. With the calScreener™ Chronic Wound Model, real wound complexity is brought into a controlled system, allowing researchers to study biofilm dynamics and treatment effects in real time.

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CYSTIC FIBROSIS AND CHRONIC LUNG INFECTIONS

Cystic fibrosis and other chronic lung conditions create environments allowing thick, mucus-rich biofilms formation. These biofilms are often tolerant to antimicrobial therapy and difficult to analyse using conventional methods. The calScreener biocalorimeter, combined with media that mimic clinical airway conditions, enables non-destructive in situ analysis of respiratory biofilms under disease-like environments.

MATERIALS & COATING BIOFILM TESTING

Biocalorimetry enables direct measurement of microbial activity on surfaces and coated materials used in medical devices and industrial equipment without disrupting the biofilm. By monitoring heat flow from viable cells in real time, the calScreener reveals how different materials, coatings or surface chemistries influence biofilm formation, inhibition and recovery. This supports rapid comparison of candidate coatings and surface treatments under controlled and realistic conditions.

ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY, TOLERANCE AND PERSISTENCE STUDIES

Understanding how biofilms respond to antibiotics, small molecules, peptides, phage therapies and other antimicrobials requires relevant and realistic model systems that mimic natural conditions. Biocalorimetry measures these responses directly within intact biofilms, providing metabolic curves that reveal inhibition, killing dynamics and growth patterns. This enables antimicrobial developers to evaluate treatment potency, optimise dosing strategies, identify synergies and understand how biofilms adapt or recover over time.

THE CALSCREENER: STANDARDIZED, ACCELERATED BIOFILM TESTING

The calScreener biocalorimeter enables high-sensitivity metabolic measurements across up to 32 samples in parallel in a streamline workflow. Samples are simply added to vials containing growth media and compatible with the BioSurface Technologies MicroWell™ system, it enables standardized analysis of biofilms grown on surface coupons.

Rapid: Real-time metabolic heat signatures reveal biofilm growth, inhibition and killing dynamics far earlier than traditional endpoint assays
Versatile: Direct in situ testing of biofilms on device materials, antimicrobial coatings, wound dressing and more—no staining, disruption, reagents or complex preparation required.
Reproducible: Standardized assays reduce manual handling and accelerate research and insights.

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A NETWORK OF BIOFILM RESEARCH INNOVATORS

Symcel collaborates with leading experts across the spectrum of biofilm science spanning clinical microbiology, chronic infections, food safety, antimicrobial tolerance, and material surface interactions. Their insights shape our solutions and development of reliable and relevant biofilm models. Read more in our calScreener testimonials about how biocalorimetry is applied to accelerate microbial testing and advance biofilm science.