Abstract: New Bacillus licheniformis strain named V9T14 that produces a new biosurfactant composition that is effective against colonization and/or bio film formation from bacteria. The new biosurfactant composition can be used in combination with biocides for preventing formation and/or for eradicating bacteria grown planktonically and/or as a biofilm, preferably on biotic and/or abiotic surfaces.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for susceptibility testing one or more biofilms, for selecting one or more anti-microbial combinations with efficacy against the biofilm, and/or in treating a disease or condition mediated by the biofilm The invention includes methods for the selection of antibiotic combinations with efficacy against a specific microbial type and for the formulation of microbe-specific test plates. The invention also includes an assay system to test patient specific isolates for sensitivity to the anti-microbial combinations.

Abstract: New Bacillus licheniformis strain named V9T14 that produces a new biosurfactant composition that is effective against colonization and/or bio film formation from bacteria. The new biosurfactant composition can be used in combination with biocides for preventing formation and/or for eradicating bacteria grown planktonically and/or as a biofilm, preferably on biotic and/or abiotic surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting biofilms by combinations of antimicrobials, particularly with their synergistic activity against bioFilms. The antimicrobials include combination of copper ion and quaternary ammonium compound or combination of copper ion and peroxide. The invention also include methods for inhibiting biofilm-induced microbial corrosion or fouling.

Abstract: This invention is a diagnostic plate that can be used to select antibiotic combinations with efficacy against microorganisms growing as a biofilm. The plate allows growth of biofilm on a plurality of projections, and the subsequent simultaneous challenge of biofilms on all projections of the plate to independent concentrations and combinations of anti-biofilm agents. Resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics is higher when they grow as a biofilm, as compared to when they grow in a planktonic state which is usually used to determine their level of antibiotic sensitivity. Growth of microorganims that slough off the biofilm in the anti-biofilm agent challenge determines the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) which relates to sensitivity of the microorganisms in a planktonic state. Growth of any surviving microorganims from the biofilm in a subsequent recovery step determines the Minimal Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) which relates to the sensitivity of the microorganisms growing as a biofilm.

Abstract: This invention is a diagnostic plate that can be used to select antibiotic combinations with efficacy against microorganisms growing as a biofilm. The plate allows growth of biofilm on a plurality of projections, and the subsequent simultaneous challenge of biofilms on all projections of the plate to independent concentrations and combinations of anti-biofilm agents. Resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics is higher when they grow as a biofilm, as compared to when they grow in a planktonic state which is usually used to determine their level of antibiotic sensitivity. Growth of microorganisms that slough off the biofilm in the anti-biofilm agent challenge determines the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) which relates to sensitivity of the microorganisms in a planktonic state. Growth of any surviving microorganisms from the biofilm in a subsequent recovery step determines the Minimal Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) which relates to the sensitivity of the microorganisms growing as a biofilm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating biofilms by exposure to heavy metals selected from the group comprising metal cations such as manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, aluminum, silver, mercury, lead, cadmium and tin; metal oxyanions such as molybdate, tungstate and chromate; and metalloid oxyanions, alone or in combination with antimicrobials. The present invention also includes compositions and methods for preparing or treating medical devices and medications.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and compositions to regulate biofilm formation. In particular, the disclosure provides methods and compositions that relate to regulation of biofilm formation by modulating the GacA/GacS regulatory system as well as methods and compositions for inhibiting small colony variant formation and reversion of resistant bacteria to a wild-type phenotype.

Abstract: Biofilm forming organisms are incubated to form a biofilm on projections by providing a flow of liquid growth medium across projections, the direction of the flow of liquid being repeatedly changed, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Biofilm forming organisms are incubated to form a biofilm on projections arranged in rows, with several projections in each row, while providing a flow of liquid growth medium across each row of projections, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Sensitivity of the biofilm to antimicrobial reagent may be determined by treating the projections with antimicrobial reagent before carrying out the assay, by treating each row of projections with a different antimicrobial reagent, and each of the projections in a row with a different concentration of antimicrobial reagent.

Abstract: Biofilm forming organisms are incubated to form a biofilm on projections by providing a flow of liquid growth medium across projections, the direction of the flow of liquid being repeatedly changed, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Biofilm forming organisms are incubated to form a biofilm on projections arranged in rows, with several projections in each row, while providing a flow of liquid growth medium across each row of projections, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Sensitivity of the biofilm to antimicrobial reagent may be determined by treating the projections with antimicrobial reagent before carrying out the assay, by treating each row of projections with a different antimicrobial reagent, and each of the projections in a row with a different concentration of antimicrobial reagent.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions to regulate biofilm formation. In particular, the invention relates to regulation of biofilm formation by modulating the GacA/GacS regulatory system.

Abstract: Bacteria are incubated to form a biofilm on projections by providing a flow of liquid growth medium across projections, the direction of the flow of liquid being repeatedly changed, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Bacteria are incubated to form a biofilm on projections arranged in rows, with several projections in each row, while providing a flow of liquid growth medium across each row of projections, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Sensitivity of the biofilm to antibacterial reagent may be determined by treating the projections with antibacterial reagent before carrying out the assay, by treating each row of projections with a different antibacterial reagent, and each of the projections in a row with a different concentration of antibacterial reagent.

Abstract: A method for testing the performance of surface coatings on the formation of biofilm and encrustation on materials. The method includes, providing a plurality of material retaining sites, providing the material retaining sites with a material, wherein the material models a surface likely to be involved in biofilm formation and encrustation deposit. The method further includes the steps of providing a liquid growth medium, wherein the liquid growth medium includes at least one microorganism, the liquid growth medium arranged to cover at least a portion of the material, and incubating microorganism and encrustation on the material retaining sites in the presence of the liquid growth medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for testing the formation of biofilms on various materials. The apparatus includes a lid and a vessel, wherein the lid may be configured to accept various materials for the testing of biofilm formation. For example, the lid may contain a plurality of projections onto which materials may be coated or disposed. The vessel is adapted to receive the lid in a fluid tight communication and to retain a liquid growth medium therein. After a material has been disposed upon the projections, the material is suspended within the vessel containing the liquid growth medium. The material is allowed to incubate for a period of time in which a biofilm forms upon the material. The material is then removed from the liquid growth medium and the biofilms formed thereupon are used to test the efficiency of various biocides.

Abstract: A method for testing the performance of surface coatings on the formation of biofilm and encrustation on materials. The method includes, providing a plurality of material retaining sites, providing the material retaining sites with a material, wherein the material models a surface likely to be involved in biofilm formation and encrustation deposit. The method further includes the steps of providing a liquid growth medium, wherein the liquid growth medium includes at least one microorganism, the liquid growth medium arranged to cover at least a portion of the material, and incubating microorganism and encrustation on the material retaining sites in the presence of the liquid growth medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for testing the formation of biofilms on various materials. The apparatus includes a lid and a vessel, wherein the lid may be configured to accept various materials for the testing of biofilm formation. For example, the lid may contain a plurality of projections onto which materials may be coated or disposed. The vessel is adapted to receive the lid in a fluid tight communication and to retain a liquid growth medium therein. After a material has been disposed upon the projections, the material is suspended within the vessel containing the liquid growth medium. The material is allowed to incubate for a period of time in which a biofilm forms upon the material. The material is then removed from the liquid growth medium and the biofilms formed thereupon are used to test the efficiency of various biocides.

Abstract: Blofilm forming organisms are incubated to form a biofilm on projections by providing a flow of liquid growth medium across projections, the direction of the flow of liquid being repeatedly changed, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Biofilm forming organisms are incubated to form a biofilm on projections arranged in rows, with several projections in each row, while providing a flow of liquid growth medium across each row of projections, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Sensitivity of the biofilm to antimicrobial reagent may be determined by treating the projections with antimicrobial reagent before carrying out the assay, by treating each row of projections with a different antimicrobial reagent, and each of the projections in a row with a different concentration of antibacterial reagent.

Abstract: Biofilm forming organisms are incubated to form a biofilm on projections by providing a flow of liquid growth medium across projections, the direction of the flow of liquid being repeatedly changed, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Biofilm forming organisms are incubated to form a biofilm on projections arranged in rows, with several projections in each row, while providing a flow of liquid growth medium across each row of projections, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Sensitivity of the biofilm to antimicrobial reagent may be determined by treating the projections with antimicrobial reagent before carrying out the assay, by treating each row of projections with a different antimicrobial reagent, and each of the projections in a row with a different concentration of antimicrobial reagent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for testing the formation of biofilms on various materials. The apparatus includes a lid and a vessel, wherein the lid may be configured to accept various materials for the testing of biofilm formation. For example, the lid may contain a plurality of projections onto which materials may be coated or disposed. The vessel is adapted to receive the lid in a fluid tight communication and to retain a liquid growth medium therein. After a material has been disposed upon the projections, the material is suspended within the vessel containing the liquid growth medium. The material is allowed to incubate for a period of time in which a biofilm forms upon the material. The material is then removed from the liquid growth medium and the biofilms formed thereupon are used to test the efficiency of various biocides.

Abstract: Bacteria are incubated to form a biofilm on projections by providing a flow of liquid growth medium across projections, the direction of the flow of liquid being repeatedly changed, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Bacteria are incubated to form a biofilm on projections arranged in rows, with several projections in each row, while providing a flow of liquid growth medium across each row of projections, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Sensitivity of the biofilm to antibacterial reagent may be determined by treating the projections with antibacterial reagent before carrying out the assay, by treating each row of projections with a different antibacterial reagent, and each of the projections in a row with a different concentration of antibacterial reagent.