Bisceps

Why this project? 

In production processes, biofilms — surface‑associated microbial communities — can lead to recurrent contamination issues and reduced food product quality. These biofilms often develop in locations that are difficult to access, where they form a slimy layer of bacteria that is highly resistant to cleaning and disinfection, thereby jeopardising product quality.

Since existing detection techniques were often insufficiently informative, time‑consuming, or only suitable for easily accessible surfaces, there was a need for a method capable of detecting and characterising biofilms in real time and in situ.

Within this project, a sensor technology based on complex impedance measurements using micro‑electrode arrays was therefore developed. This approach proved to have significant potential: it enabled not only the detection but also the characterisation of biofilms. In addition, the use of micro‑electrodes demonstrated that cost‑effective integration into a wide range of applications is feasible.

Research approach and results

Bisceps was a collective research project (SBO type). Its aim was to demonstrate to food companies, machine builders, and cleaning and disinfection providers that rapid biofilm detection using impedance measurements is possible. This objective was achieved through:

• Identifying correlations between biofilm structure and impedance patterns.
• Determining impedance based classifiers capable of predicting antimicrobial tolerance.
• Integrating micro electrode arrays into sensor systems compatible with practical applications.
• Developing a proof of concept for the use of impedance sensors on medical implants and in (food) production systems.
• Generating insights into the broader potential of impedance sensors for monitoring biofilms across various sectors.

Through this work, the project provided new scientific understanding and laid a strong foundation for future technological development and industrial deployment.

Target group

Biofilms can form on many different materials and surfaces. As a result, the sensor technology is relevant to a wide range of industrial sectors. The primary target audience, however, consisted of food companies, machine builders, and cleaning and disinfection service providers.

The project broadened and substantiated scientific knowledge about impedance based micro electrodearray sensing. It also delivered a proof of concept demonstrating in situ applicability in the food industry and evaluated the sensor’s compatibility with antimicrobial strategies and quality control workflows.

Project partners

The Bisceps project was carried out by six different research groups:  

• KU Leuven, Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG) - Prof. Dr. Engineer Hans Steenackers 
• Imec Leuven, Life Science Department - Dr. Dries Braeken 
• Imec Ghent, CMST - Prof. Dr. Maaike Op de Beeck 
• Ghent University, Research Unit Knowledge-Based Systems (KERMIT) - Prof. Dr. Bernard De Baets 
• UZ Leuven, Department of Trauma Surgery - Prof. Dr. Willem Jan Metsemakers 
• KU Leuven Ghent campus, Laboratory for Enzyme and Brewing Technology (EFBT) - Dr. Alex Verplaetse