Center for Biofilm Engineering
The Center for Biofilm Engineering (CBE) at Montana State University is a world leader in biofilm research, education, and outreach. Celebrating over 35 years of innovation, the CBE focuses on advancing health, energy, industry, and environmental solutions through multidisciplinary research and industry collaboration. It offers programs in research, education, industry partnerships, and outreach, supporting students and industry in understanding and controlling biofilms to solve real-world challenges.
Industries
Center for Biofilm Engineering
Bozeman, Montana, United States, North America
Products
Biofilms: The Hypertextbook (online educational resource)
A web-based, active-learning resource covering comprehensive topics in biofilm science, developed as an NSF-funded project to support education in biofilms.
CBE publications database and image gallery
Searchable collections of CBE-authored publications and a multimedia image library of biofilm microscopy and related visuals supporting research and outreach.
Bioglyphs living bioluminescent exhibition (project)
An interdisciplinary art–science project producing living bioluminescent Petri-dish 'paintings' created collaboratively with art students and biofilm researchers; documented as a public exhibition and educational activity.
Biofilms: The Hypertextbook (online educational resource)
A web-based, active-learning resource covering comprehensive topics in biofilm science, developed as an NSF-funded project to support education in biofilms.
CBE publications database and image gallery
Searchable collections of CBE-authored publications and a multimedia image library of biofilm microscopy and related visuals supporting research and outreach.
Bioglyphs living bioluminescent exhibition (project)
An interdisciplinary art–science project producing living bioluminescent Petri-dish 'paintings' created collaboratively with art students and biofilm researchers; documented as a public exhibition and educational activity.
Services
Standardized biofilm testing laboratory services
Validated laboratory assays and testing services for evaluating biofilm formation, removal, and anti-biofilm product claims; methods intended to be repeatable and regulator-ready.
Bioimaging & Analytical Core Lab services
Centralized microscopy and analytical support including confocal imaging, staining protocol support, and image acquisition for experimental and applied biofilm projects.
Industry partnership, consulting, and testing
Collaborative projects with industry via an Industrial Associates program that provides testing projects, consulting, and priority-aligned research to address real-world biofilm problems.
Education, training, and outreach programs
Workshops, methods training videos, seminars, conferences, and online educational resources to train students and practitioners in biofilm science and standardized methods.
Environmental biofilm engineering and pilot testing
Design and experimental testing of biofilm-based environmental solutions including subsurface bioremediation, engineered biobarriers, and process-oriented biofilm applications.
Standardized biofilm testing laboratory services
Validated laboratory assays and testing services for evaluating biofilm formation, removal, and anti-biofilm product claims; methods intended to be repeatable and regulator-ready.
Bioimaging & Analytical Core Lab services
Centralized microscopy and analytical support including confocal imaging, staining protocol support, and image acquisition for experimental and applied biofilm projects.
Industry partnership, consulting, and testing
Collaborative projects with industry via an Industrial Associates program that provides testing projects, consulting, and priority-aligned research to address real-world biofilm problems.
Education, training, and outreach programs
Workshops, methods training videos, seminars, conferences, and online educational resources to train students and practitioners in biofilm science and standardized methods.
Environmental biofilm engineering and pilot testing
Design and experimental testing of biofilm-based environmental solutions including subsurface bioremediation, engineered biobarriers, and process-oriented biofilm applications.
Expertise Areas
- Biofilm research and engineering
- Standardized biofilm testing and method validation
- Advanced bioimaging and microscopy
- Antimicrobial efficacy testing for biofilms
Key Technologies
- Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM)
- Fluorescent staining and reporter-gene assays
- Benchtop/CDC biofilm reactors and flow systems
- In situ biofilm rheology measurement techniques