The research and commercial activities of EBCRC are aligned across three broad areas of core competence – Biofilm Control, Microbial Detection and Control and Bioprocesses.

Biofilms are surface associated complex microbial communities present in all aqueous environments. They are associated with persistent infections; cause fouling and corrosion in fluid processes; undesirable taste and odour issues in water; and pipe corrosion within oil, gas and sewage industries.

These problems can lead to significant infrastructure replacement or operational costs, and highlight the need for strategies to control or minimise biofilm formation.

Biofilms also have beneficial impacts, for example in wastewater treatment processes. Thus, strategies to remove biofilms as well as enhance the activity of useful biofilms are of critical importance.

EBCRC conducts a broad range of projects on biofilm control and on complex microbial community analysis. The research has the potential to revolutionise the treatment of infections, management of pipe networks and the extension of life and efficiency of membrane filters.

Diagnostic technologies for microbial detection are currently in wide use across many industries: health, agriculture, food manufacturing and environmental monitoring.

EBCRC is actively developing a range of automated and in-the-field technologies for the detection of environmental pathogens and toxins. Whilst determining specific diagnostic targets, new investigative opportunities for other therapeutic targets have arisen.

Microbial communities conduct a broad range of bioprocesses within the environment. EBCRC has been exploiting these activities to benefit business and the environment.

Areas of investigation include bioremediation of contaminated sites, breakdown of high nutrient wastes and conversion of waste to valuable products, such as fertilisers, agricultural protein feeds and green energy.

There are many overlapping opportunities within the three areas. EBCRC is also investigating bioactive polymers, odour control technologies and the development of diagnostic platforms.