The technology uses standard polystyrene pipet tips as surfaces to promote bacterial attachment and biofilm growth in deep-well microplates filled with growth media. As bacteria attach, multiply, and secrete extracellular matrix, the biofilm forms on the exterior of the pipet tips. The process captures every phase of the biofilm life cycle—from initial attachment, matrix-driven assembly, dispersal when a new tip is added, to reattachment—allowing continuous cycling through periodic transfers. The system is designed with a dedicated pipet tip housing rack and microplates that ensure reproducibility and compatibility with robotic automation, making it particularly suited for high-throughput experimental work.
Description
This technology stands out because it overcomes the limitations of existing biofilm growth methods, such as low throughput and limited lifecycle capture. By employing readily available laboratory consumables and integrating seamlessly with standard automation, it offers a simplified yet comprehensive platform for studying biofilm dynamics. Its ability to reproducibly capture the full biofilm life cycle and adapt to large-scale screenings, such as evaluations for antimicrobial resistance, differentiates it from conventional techniques, providing researchers with a robust and versatile tool for advanced biofilm research.
Applications
- Antibiotic resistance screening kit
- Drug inhibition assay platform
- Automated biofilm testing system
- Disposable biofilm culture kit
- High throughput assay device
Advantages
- Captures the complete biofilm life cycle (attachment, assembly, dispersal, and reattachment) for comprehensive study.
- Enables high-throughput experiments with increased replication compared to existing methods.
- Offers high reproducibility using standard laboratory consumables and equipment.
- Compatible with robotic automation, facilitating streamlined, scalable workflows.
- Simple, versatile design that can be mass-produced as a sterile, disposable kit.
IP Status
Research Tool
