Abstract: The present invention provides a method identifying nonparaffinophilic microorganisms suitable for antibiotic screening. The method provides the growing of nonparaffinophilic microorganisms on substrates in a bioreactor, wherein the bioreactor provides an environment conducive to the metabolism of many nonparaffinophilic microorganisms while being restrictive to methanogens and methane production. The method may further include substrates coated with a gelatinous matrix, wherein the gelatinous matrix coating baits the nonparaffinophilic microorganisms.