Center for Biofilm Engineering

Research center focused on biofilm studies

The Center for Biofilm Engineering (CBE) is a multidisciplinary research center located at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. Established in 1990, the CBE is renowned for its pioneering research in the field of biofilms, which are communities of microorganisms that attach to surfaces and are embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances.

History

The Center for Biofilm Engineering was founded in 1990 with funding from the National Science Foundation as one of its Engineering Research Centers. The establishment of the CBE marked a significant advancement in the study of biofilms, which are critical in both natural and industrial settings. The center was created to address the need for a deeper understanding of biofilm processes and to develop technologies for managing biofilms in various industries.

Research Focus

The CBE conducts interdisciplinary research that spans the fields of microbiology, engineering, and material science. The center's research is focused on understanding the fundamental properties of biofilms, their formation, and their impact on industrial and medical systems. Key areas of research include:

• Biofilm Formation and Structure: Investigating the initial stages of biofilm development and the structural characteristics of mature biofilms.
• Biofilm Control and Management: Developing strategies to prevent and control biofilm formation in industrial systems, such as pipelines and water treatment facilities.
• Medical Biofilms: Studying biofilms in medical contexts, particularly their role in chronic infections and resistance to antibiotics.

Facilities

The CBE is housed in the Engineering and Physical Sciences Building at Montana State University. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for biofilm research, including advanced microscopy and imaging technologies.

Engineering and Physical Sciences Building at MSU

Microscopy and Imaging

The CBE has a suite of confocal microscopes that allow researchers to visualize biofilms in three dimensions and study their complex structures.

Confocal microscopes at the CBE

Anaerobic Experimentation

The center also features facilities for anaerobic experimentation, which are crucial for studying biofilms that thrive in oxygen-free environments.

Anaerobic experiment station at the CBE

Industry Collaboration

The CBE collaborates with a wide range of industries to apply its research findings to real-world problems. These collaborations help in developing practical solutions for biofilm-related challenges in sectors such as healthcare, water treatment, and food processing.

Education and Outreach

The CBE is committed to education and outreach, providing training and resources for students, researchers, and industry professionals. The center offers workshops, seminars, and courses on biofilm science and engineering.

Related Pages

• Biofilm
• Montana State University
• National Science Foundation

CBE logo