Translational challenges and opportunities in biofilm science: a BRIEF for the future

Abstract

Biofilms are increasingly recognised as a critical global issue in a multitude of industries impacting health, food and water security, marine sector, and industrial processes resulting in estimated economic cost of $5 trillion USD annually. A major barrier to the translation of biofilm science is the gap between industrial practices and academic research across the biofilms field. Therefore, there is an urgent need for biofilm research to notice and react to industrially relevant issues to achieve transferable outputs. Regulatory frameworks necessarily bridge gaps between different players, but require a clear, science-driven non-biased underpinning to successfully translate research. Here we introduce a 2-dimensional framework, termed the Biofilm Research-Industrial Engagement Framework (BRIEF) for classifying existing biofilm technologies according to their level of scientific insight, including the understanding of the underlying biofilm system, and their industrial utility accounting for current industrial practices. We evidence the BRIEF with three case studies of biofilm science across healthcare, food & agriculture, and wastewater sectors highlighting the multifaceted issues around the effective translation of biofilm research. Based on these studies, we introduce some advisory guidelines to enhance the translational impact of future research.

Non-invasive biomedical sensors for early detection and monitoring of bacterial biofilm growth at the point of care

“…5 In addition, using non-invasive biofilm detection sensors would reduce the economic burden of biofilms, which was more than US$5 trillion per year in 2019. 59,186…”

Artificial Neural Network Prediction of Antiadhesion and Antibiofilm-Forming Effects of Antimicrobial Active Mushroom Extracts on Food-Borne Pathogens

“…Similarly, most of the research focuses on species that form biofilms within the food industry, leaving the associated biofilm out of the investigations [ 3 ]. It has been pointed out that there is an existing gap between industrial practices and academic research on biofilms [ 4 ]. The focus has been mainly on fundamental knowledge regarding biofilms, while applicable solutions (beyond physicochemical measures) for the industry are lacking.…”

Supporting the strategic pillars of translational research in biofilms

“…For all the above findings to be successfully translated from the academic research lab into the industrial environment it is paramount to have a cross-sectorial engagement at the conception of the technology to facilitate its evolution along a Translationally Optimal Path (TOP). This is highlighted by Highmore et al 15 who have created a two-dimensional framework they have termed the Biofilm Research-Industrial Engagement Framework (BRIEF). This framework enables the organisation of current biofilm technologies relevant to biofilms across sectors, based on their accuracy to current science knowledge and industrial application, enabling to predict the chances of evolving through Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).…”