GEA targets biofilm with enzyme-based system

GEA is to launch a bacterial screening and enzyme-based cleaning service with bacteriological monitoring next year.

The firm said it uses use enzymes because it’s ecological and efficient against biofilm compared to classic cleaning which uses washing soda and acid which biofilms can survive even if quantity is increased.

Safexpert comes in three parts: Safescan which uses three lamps to detect the presence of biofilm and presents them as a green colour when the light is shone over the target area.

Safescope is used for sealed surfaces, using lamps and an endoscopic camera to detect biofilm and lighting them in green. Photos and video recordings can be taken and given to the client.

The enzymatic cleaning product is then applied for treatment prevention.

The third part is the ATP test which analyzes the cleaning water and can see if it still has biofilm, using two analysis kits that evaluate the level of total flora and microorganisms in the water.

Biofilm problem

GEA told FoodQualityNews.com that process time depended on cleaning volume and customers’ activity.

Biolfilm problems are a big subject in industry but not many want to speak about it. The consequences are simple, if they don’t destroy biofilms they can sell infected product to consumer, the firm added.

Biofilm consist of a viscous film made up of bacteria and solid organic polymers that promote the irreversible adhesion of microorganisms.

In most cases they are invisible to the naked eye and constitute a reservoir of microorganisms that protect the biofilm from external aggressions, including cleaning and disinfection.

Biofilm can develop on surfaces such as heat exchangers, tanks, cooling systems, piping for food products, fibres and membranes.

2014 launch

The product will be launched in January and displayed at the CFIA exhibition in Rennes in February for milk, agri-food, beverages and brewery markets.

Biofilm results in a constant threat of contamination to products through unpredictable release of microorganisms and organic polymers (EPS), increased surface roughness, providing points of attachment for contaminants present in liquids.

Other consequences are reduced flow-rates in membrane filtration installations and bacteria encased in the biofilm structure cause the biocorrosion of colonised surfaces.