Biofilms pose a major challenge for dairy processing plants. These microbial communities, capable of adhering to surfaces such as stainless steel, can cause contamination leading to non-compliant products, losses, and costly recalls. Their high resistance to common disinfectants limits the control strategies available to the dairy sector.
This project aims to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms of biofilm formation and regeneration in real time, using a collection of bacterial strains from Quebec dairy plants. The hypothesis is that this knowledge will enable the development of control strategies that are better targeted and adapted to industrial conditions.
Researchers will first study how different microorganisms form, persist, and recolonize surfaces following conventional cleaning. Next, various multi-targeted strategies will be evaluated: enzymes, natural antimicrobials (bacteriocins), biosurfactants, peracids, reuterin, and industrial formulations.
The goal is to identify the best combinations to disrupt the biofilm’s structure and eliminate the bacteria it protects, while reducing the amount of chemicals used in the plant. Tests will be conducted using tools, such as Bioflux, the CDC bioreactor, and microscopy, under conditions that accurately simulate the dairy environment, including mature biofilms several weeks old. The results will guide producers, processors, and industrial hygiene suppliers toward solutions that are more effective, eco-friendly, and tailored to the realities of the sector.
