Comparison of four methods to assess biofilm development

Abstract

Two nondestructive methods of biofilm quantification (optical density via a flatbed scanner and biofilm thickness) have been evaluated and compared to two destructive methods (Crystal Violet staining after biofilm disintegration and dry weight). The methods were tested on biofilms that developed on a modified rotating biological contactor (RBC) that was inoculated with urban wastewater and fed with a synthetic medium that mimicked slaughterhouse wastewater. The results of the different methods were highly correlated (coefficient of correlation greater than 0.8). This validation experiment confirms the ability of the scanning method to easily monitor the biofilm’s development over large surfaces without destruction of the biofilm.