Biofouling

Biofouling

Figure 1 shows an image taken with a confocal laser scanning microscope. Here we see details of the biofilm architecture and staining reveals different activities. A beautiful picture indeed.

Figure 1. Confocal microscope image of a green biofilm.

Permissions
  1. Permission Pending, Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman

Figure 2 shows a large biofilm deposit recovered from the feed stream of a pulp and paper manufacturing system; clearly a major biofouling problem.

Figure 2. Biofilms observed in industry are not so beautiful.

Permissions
  1. Permissions Pending

Figure 3 shows a 3-inch diameter impeller in a fermenter which is severely fouled by a fungal biofilm. Photo by Andy Zwister.

Figure 3. Biofouling of Fermenter Impeller.

Permissions
  1. Permission pending, C. Wend, Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman