One of the most rewarding parts of our work at BioSurface Technologies is seeing our equipment used to advance meaningful, real-world biofilm research. In 2025, our reactors, flow cells, and other products supported studies spanning medical device R&D, antimicrobial resistance research, built environments, food safety, and even spaceflight.

Below is a recap of the peer-reviewed research we highlighted this year, along with full MLA citations for each publication.

Multimodal biofilm control for spacecraft water systems

This work tackled a very real problem for long-duration spaceflight: biofilms in water recovery systems. The study evaluated a coating, nutrient limitation, and biocide dosing (alone and together) using a defined consortium tied to ISS water system isolates. We were especially excited to see this kind of systems-level thinking aimed at making spacecraft water systems more sustainable and reliable.

Mettler, Madelyn K., and Brent M. Peyton. “Multimodal Biofilm Control Strategies for Spacecraft Water Systems: Evaluating Coatings, Nutrient Removal, and Biocides for Improved Sustainability.” Gravitational and Space Research, vol. 13, no. 1, 2025, pp. 75–89. https://doi.org/10.2478/gsr-2025-0005

Legionella, shear stress, and detachment behavior in CDC Biofilm Reactor studies

This study helps clarify what happens when shear stress changes and biofilm detaches, especially in systems relevant to water management and Legionella risk. It is exactly the kind of work that strengthens how the community understands detachment and downstream exposure hazards.

Silva, Ana Rosa, et al. “Legionella Affects Biofilm Structural Response to Detachment upon Shear Stress Increase.” Biofilm, vol. 10, 2025, article 100323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioflm.2025.100323

Non-thermal plasma for eliminating biofilm from endoscope channels

This paper is a great example of research that can directly improve patient safety. Endoscope reprocessing is hard, and biofilm makes it harder. Exploring non-thermal plasma as an alternative or complementary approach could reduce cross-infection risk, support safer procedures, and potentially lower the need for antibiotics (which helps slow antibiotic resistance).

Slade, Elisabeth A., et al. “Direct Application of Non-thermal Plasma Technology for the Elimination of Biofilm from Endoscope Channels.” Scientific Reports, vol. 15, no. 1, 2025, article 37139. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-21136-w

Comparing two biofilm growth models on reusable stainless steel medical device material

Reusable medical devices are only as safe as their reprocessing, and biofilm complicates validation. This paper compared two widely used reactor models (including the CDC Biofilm Reactor and Drip Flow Reactor) on stainless steel coupons and evaluated multiple measurement approaches. It is the kind of practical work that helps manufacturers and regulators converge on more consistent evaluation strategies.

Anderson, Gregory G., et al. “Comparison of Two Models of Biofilm Formation on Reusable Stainless Steel Medical Device Material.” Journal of Hospital Infection, vol. 168, 2026, pp. 23–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2025.10.034

Phage plus antibiotic activity influenced by Pseudomonas biofilm phenotype

Phage therapy and phage antibiotic combinations are a promising direction, especially for difficult device associated infections involving multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study dug into how differences in exopolysaccharide rich biofilm phenotypes can affect phage performance, including in combination with ciprofloxacin.

Van Helden, Sean R., et al. “Impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Exopolysaccharide Composition on Bacteriophage and Bacteriophage Antibiotic Combination Activity.” Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, vol. 70, no. 1, 2026, e00925-25. https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.00925-25

Updated review of methods to reduce environmental NTM exposure

NTM exposure in engineered environments is a growing concern, and this review compiled and assessed mitigation approaches across the 2014 to 2025 literature window. We highlighted it because it connects material surfaces and water system realities to practical mitigation decisions (including what not to do).

Koch, Tiana N. M., et al. “Methods to Reduce Environmental Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Exposure: Revisiting the Recent Literature.” Critical Reviews in Microbiology, 2026, pp. 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/1040841X.2025.2610213

Fluorescence imaging for real time detection plus UVC disinfection of biofilm on surfaces

This paper combined in situ detection with a disinfection approach using multispectral fluorescence imaging plus UVC exposure, including single and dual species biofilms on PVC and stainless steel coupons. It is a strong example of tools moving toward real time contamination monitoring and response, with clear relevance to public health and industrial hygiene.

Hu, Benjamin, et al. “Multispectral Fluorescence Imaging to Detect and Ultraviolet C to Disinfect Single and Dual Species Bacterial Biofilm on Abiotic Surfaces.” Optics Express, vol. 34, no. 2, 2026, pp. 3244–3257. https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.581002