20 20 Biofilm formation in industrial cooling water systems is a persistent operational challenge. In heat exchange environments such as cooling towers and condensers, biofilm forms an insulating layer that reduces thermal efficiency, increases energy consumption and accelerates corrosion. Current practice relies heavily on oxidising biocides, which often fail to penetrate the protective extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) of mature biofilms. This results in incomplete treatment, rapid regrowth and the need for multiple chemical products, increasing cost, complexity and environmental burden. There is a clear unmet need for a more effective, single‑solution approach that can disrupt biofilm at its structural core. Residual Barrier Technology Limited (RBT) is a UK‑based biocide and disinfectant manufacturer focused on developing high‑performance antimicrobial formulations with a more sustainable environmental profile. The company has developed a novel EPS‑penetrating biocidal formulation designed to outperform conventional chemistry while reducing the need for multiple treatment products. By targeting biofilm structure directly, the technology has the potential to simplify treatment programmes and deliver both operational and environmental benefits. Prior to engaging with NBIC, RBT had generated encouraging in‑house results but faced a common early‑stage barrier: the lack of independent, third‑party validation. Without robust, standardised data generated under controlled conditions, progressing to commercial development and building credibility with industrial customers and regulators was challenging. The company also lacked access to the specialist academic expertise, facilities and established methodologies required to produce the level of evidence needed by the market. Adam Shay, CEO at RBT said: “NBIC’s support was instrumental in accelerating our progress. Their guidance and introductions connected us with NBIC Interdisciplinary Research Fellow, Dr Simplifying Biofilm Control in Industrial Water Systems Joe Parker, at the University of Southampton, allowing us to develop a collaborative research proposal for independent validation. With NBIC’s help, we were able to identify the right academic partner, explore funding opportunities, and establish a clear pathway to generating robust efficacy data - a process that would have taken significantly longer to achieve independently.” The work supported by NBIC has already delivered important structural and strategic outcomes. It has established a formal academic partnership, provided access to specialist biofilm testing capabilities, and laid the foundations for independent laboratory validation. These outputs are critical precursors to commercial progress, enabling RBT to build the evidence base required to support future scale‑up, pilot testing and market entry. Building on this momentum, the team are currently undertaking a short, feasibility collaborative study with Dr Parker and his team, while also progressing applications for further funding to support the next phase of development. Looking ahead, the potential impact is significant. A validated single‑product solution could reduce energy use, extend equipment life, lower chemical consumption and simplify compliance for industrial operators, while contributing to more sustainable water management practices. RBT is now well positioned to progress toward commercialisation and deliver meaningful innovation in industrial biofilm control. This project has now been awarded funding through NBIC’s Industrial Challenge Response Fund. Adam Shay, CEO Residual Barrier Technology Ltd Christine Brander, Executive Chair & Founder, Residual Barrier Technology Ltd Andrew Deacon, Compliance & Quality Manager, Residual Barrier Technology Ltd Dr Joe Parker, NBIC Interdisciplinary Research Fellow, University of Southampton 20 CASE STUDY
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