Preventing and reducing biofilm formation and planktonic proliferation

#The present invention provides methods and compositions for preventing and/or reducing biofilm formation on surfaces and/or planktonic proliferation in aqueous environments, especially in domestic/household and industrial settings.

#Biofilm formation and planktonic proliferation by undesired microorganisms are well known phenomena in domestic as well as industrial settings. For instance, toilet bowls harbor undesirable bacteria on surfaces and in solution that can contribute to a noticeably fouled appearance of the bowl. Further, the presence of undesired microorganisms in the bowl may cause dispersion of aerosols when flushing. Massive biofilm formation and planktonic proliferation in water systems, e.g., pipes, pumps and vessels, are known to cause health care risks, corrosion, and aesthetic problems.

#Preventing or reducing biofilm formation and/or planktonic proliferation by undesirable microorganisms traditionally requires the use of dispersants, surfactants, enzymes, microbes, antimicrobial agents, biocides, boil-out procedures, and/or chemicals.

#FIG. 1 shows reduced planktonic proliferation of Pseudomonas population in the presence of Bacillus blend (6BB) at different Bacillus:Pseudomonas ratios.

#FIG. 2 shows reduced Pseudomonas biofilm populations in the presence of Bacillus blend (6BB) at different Bacillus:Pseudomonas ratios.

#FIG. 3 shows reduced planktonic Pseudomonas proliferation in the presence of Bacillus blend (6BB) at different Bacillus:Pseudomonas ratios.

#The present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing and/or preventing biofilm formation and/or planktonic proliferation in aqueous environments.

#The inventors have isolated and tested a significant number of bacteria strains for their ability to reduced and/or prevent biofilm formation and/or planktonic proliferation in aqueous environments. They found that a small number of the tested strains of the genus Bacillus can reduce and/or prevent biofilm formation and/or planktonic proliferation when co-cultured with undesirable microorganisms including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas montelli, Pseudomonas putida, Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio fischerii, and/or Escherichia coli. This is described in detail in the Examples.

#Methods for Preventing and/or Reducing Biofilm Formation