Fully-funded PhD: From Formation to Failure: Tackling Biofilm Challenges in Functional Fluid Systems

This PhD project explores biofilm formation in industrial environments. Biofilm on surfaces is a widespread problem across multiple sectors, creating operational challenges and significant economic impacts. Industries that use liquids containing nutrients for microorganisms, such as cooling waters, metal working fluids, lithographic solutions, textile spin finishes, paper pulp, and oil and gas production, are particularly vulnerable to biofilm growth. 

These systems rely on biocides within functional fluids to control microbial activity and prevent damage. However, biocides cannot be marketed without meeting strict regulatory requirements under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR, Regulation (EU) 528/2012), the GB equivalent, and similar global frameworks. To obtain approval, industry must provide robust efficacy data showing that a biocide can kill or prevent biofilm in realistic experimental models. A major challenge is the limited availability of standardised testing methods that regulators can confidently use, which can delay or prevent market authorisation.

This PhD offers the opportunity to investigate biofilm development across different industrial settings. Working closely with industry partners, the successful applicant will develop methods to establish, control, and prevent biofilms. The project provides interdisciplinary training within our vibrant doctoral community, based in the new £117M Dalton Building, with access to cutting‑edge laboratories and research facilities.

Project aims and objectives

The aim of this PhD project is to develop methodology required to produce a standardised method for biocidal use to control biofilms in functional fluids.

• Objective 1 – Understand existing methodologies that have been used in the literature and in industry to provide an antibiofilm claim.
• Objective 2 - Identify representative functional fluids and microorganisms that may be used for an antibiofilm claim.
• Objective 3 - develop methods to be more realistic to appropriate industrial environments, and develop a standardised method that aims to assess efficacy of a biocide that either prohibits or retards biofilm growth.
• Objective 4 – Understand the biological impact of such biocide treatments on the formation and survival of biofilm in simulated end-use environments.