b'BIOFILM ENGINEERINGUnmet needs: Improved methods for manipulation of an existingThe need to engineer biofilms for benefit in a human or an animal. biofilm are critical to achieve relevant end products or results.Creation of a bespoke biofilm community for a defined process, outcome or benefit. I mproved approaches for investigating, enhancing, monitoring or studying biofilms in the engineering setting.Challenges to overcome: The development and standardisation of experimental and monitoring methods including real-time, high throughput, large scale and multi-variable. Developing improved model systems.MICROBE - METAL INTERACTIONSUnmet needs: Achieving improved risk assessment, prediction, andSensor technologies: Groups discussed the need for early detection and monitoring of biofilm formation modelling (e.g. being able to predict and understandand MIC occurrence. Sensors are a key tool to achieve where, when, and why biofilms form in a particularthis but have to be deployable, accurate and sensitive system). if they are to be of use to industry.The elucidation of coupled microbial metabolisms and Materials/coatings: Approaches that enhance a potential novel bio-markers. Improved understandingsurfaces ability to prevent biofilm formation are critical of the interplay between microbes and the surfacefor addressing unmet needs. These could be improved may lead to identifying key markers. surface designs, treatments and/ or coatings.Creating improved methods for detection of biofilmsNext steps:and monitoring of systems (e.g. deployable, accurate, sensitive biofilm and corrosion sensors). A consortium with multiple industry and academicIdentifying improved concepts to prevent biofilmpartners is needed to move ahead and impact on the formation (e.g. new materials/surfaces/coatings tochallenges identified.disrupt biofilm life-cycle dynamics).Many of these are either training - based or exist in Key areas of emerging science: the precompetitive space and could be developed into a series of joint projects.The connections and support we create via our Mechanisms and models of the metal-microbe interactions: In all fields of biofilm study includingworkshops, visits and partnering can lead to a range microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) there is aof collaborations, including fully funded joint projects need for improved models that can truly recreate thebetween a company and an academic, a fruitful long-real-world situation or model it in such a way thatterm relationship or even an application to one of accurate predictions can be made and interventionsour Proof of Concept (POC) calls. The value of these realistically assessed. associations is shown in the various case studies in thisSurface science: Technologies for understanding theannual report.metal surface with the ability to measure, interrogate, visualise and modify it.30'