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Project

Validation of 2-aminoimidazoles as biofilm inhibitors in reverse osmosis and industrial water systems

Biofilms are multi-cellular communities of bacteria, attached to surfaces and imbedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. Reverse osmosis and industrial water systems are highly subject to formation of biofilms. They severely disturb the operation of these systems by decreasing the heat transfer over surfaces, reducing the performance of membranes and clogging hydraulic systems.The objective of this project is to deliver a pilot scale proof-of-concept of the resistance-proof action of 2-aminoimidazoles as biofilm inhibitors for reverse osmosis and industrial water systems and the optimization of their (i) activity, (ii) incorporation in membranes, (iii) safety (including registration) and (iv) scale and cost of chemical synthesis. Results will be valorised by the start-up of a spin-off company and will lead to a multiplicator effect in currently pursued valorisation trajectories in other application fields (medical devices and implants, food industry,…).
Date:1 Jan 2021 →  31 Dec 2023
Keywords:2-aminoimidazoles, Biofilm inhibitors, Reverse osmosis, Water systems
Disciplines:(Waste)water treatment processes