GIMs

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Main objective : The aim of the GIMs project is to develop new natural biocides (which can destroy micro-organisms) extracted from algae and marine environment, in order to create barrier materials active against biofilms. Biofilm forms when bacteria adhere to surfaces in aqueous environments. This research project will allow strong collaborations between French and British laboratories and with a French firm with complementary expertise in the field of green intelligent biomaterials. Microbial biofilms on surfaces cost the European nation millions of euros yearly in equipment damage, product contamination, energy losses and medical infections. Conventional methods of killing bacteria (such as antibiotics, and disinfection) are often ineffective with biofilm bacteria. The use of natural biocide molecules extracted from algae could make a contribution to solve this problem. Main actions : - Extraction and purification of biocidal molecules from Brittany coasts seaweeds samples - Screening of the molecules against their ability to inhibit the formation or the fixation of biofilms on polymer surfaces. - Realization of natural molecules adhesion tests on different types of surfaces - Study of the changes of the bacteria’s structure when fixed on a support

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