The role of standards in biofilm research and industry innovation

Abstract

Biofilms are widely recognised as a contributing factor in significant problems currently facing human health and industry. The following paper summarises a round table forum held at the 2021 International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Symposium which discussed the potential role of standards in biofilm research and industry innovation. Standards and other forms of best-practice guidance are reviewed in an academic research context as well as in relation to industry impacts and product development. The understanding of fundamental aspects of biofilms is rapidly evolving, driven in part by new analytical methods. However, the complex and multidisciplinary nature of biofilm-associated problems and typically limited training available for industry personnel tackling the associated issues often reduces the ability to provide best-practice solutions. As such it is argued that more effort needs to be made by both academia and industry experts to provide consensus and associated documentation on standard test methods or guidance documents related to studying and combating biofilms.