Future prospects of biofouling and biocides

Biofouling refers to the presence of biological deposits, including microbes and their protective extracellular matrices on processing surfaces. Biofouling can be a hygienic risk in various processes because its elimination is a very difficult and demanding task. Cleaning processes for biofouled equipment surfaces should be planned carefully, and in complex cases interacting factors such as mechanical forces, chemical agents, duration and temperature, should be evaluated using statistically experimental designs. The requirements are high for good hygiene in processes and products of excellent quality and long shelflife. This programme covers future tools for the prevention and elimination of biofouling as well as modern detection methods. The aim of this Symposium is to provide knowledge of biofouling problems and hygiene. Biofouling in both nonfood and food industry sectors is covered, and the detection methods present the state-of-the-art in microscopic techniques as well as in molecular biology. The newest research results on biocides and disinfectants will be presented in the session on elimination of biofouling by representatives of manufacturers and scientists. The Symposium programme also raises issues for the use of alternatives to biocides and chemicals, and a session based on biological control will provide aspects on microbial enzymes, lactic acid bacteria and siderophores.