What is biofilm and how can it be eliminated?

Le biofilm is made up of a mass of micro-organisms that adhere to a surface, multiply and secrete a protective matrix. This protective layer then traps other bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi and nutrients, providing a food reservoir for these organisms as well as protection against various aggressions. Micro-organisms will also be able to detach themselves from the biofilm and colonise new surfaces.

Where is Biofilm located?

Biofilm can be found on all surfaces, but more particularly on all places that come into contact with humans. The hands of a human being are a principal vector of propagation of Biofilms (Telephones, Printers, Keyboard of computers, Handles of door, Switches, Taps, Flushes, Pens... etc etc).

How can you limit its formation?

To limit the formation of biofilmIn order to prevent the spread of micro-organisms, which become increasingly resistant over time, it is essential to set up a cleaning and disinfection plan for the surfaces of the premises. This plan must include a regular schedule of operations to prevent micro-organisms from taking hold for long periods and proliferating. The use of a steam cleaner is strongly recommended in the cleaning operation. We recommend our STEAMBIO 3000 or our STEAMBIO 4000 for this operation.

Steps to follow to limit the formation of biofilms or to remove them:

We strongly recommend cleaning or washing surfaces before disinfecting, rather than carrying out these operations at the same time. Each has a very specific role to play:

- cleaning or washing will remove organic, mineral and microbial soiling from the surfaces.

- Disinfection uses a disinfectant to eliminate or inactivate micro-organisms that have not been destroyed by the cleaning-washing phase. Effective products for this purpose include peracetic acid, one of the components of Bio Apabio marketed by IBL Specifik.

The Anses (Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail) also recommends taking certain steps to limit microbial concentration. These recommendations include

- the design of premises and equipment in compliance with hygienic design rules,

- choosing materials that are hard-wearing and easy to clean and disinfect,

- regular replacement (as soon as they are damaged) of fragile materials,

- minimising the amount of water used, as it encourages microbial growth and can be a vector for contamination.

Where are the best places for biofilms to develop?

A priori, the biofilm can settle on a large number of surfaces (except copper, which is toxic), but it will only succeed in developing if it is not threatened by regular and effective hygiene measures. So, in general, it proliferates especially in places that are difficult to clean and disinfect.

Source: French Food Safety Agency (AFSSA): www.anses.fr

Why is dry steam ideal for combating biofilms?

The high temperature instantly eliminates allergens and greatly reduces the bacterial load contained in the biofilm. This effect is known as "shock" disinfection.

The high temperature instantly destroys the bacterial load. It has no resistance or habituation to disinfection with steam unlike the use of hygiene products.

The surface-active action of steam makes it a chemical-free detergent, and the visual results obtained are unanimously recognised as being better than with conventional processes. Steam cleaners have also proven their effectiveness on surfaces that are difficult to access, such as furniture, beds, stretchers, wheelchairs and sanitary vehicles.

Numerous studies have shown that steam cleaning methods have incomparable detergent efficiencies and lead to a reduction in the concentration of proteins present on the surface of the substrate of around 98 %.

The application of a "detergent-disinfectant" cleaning does not achieve the same level of effectiveness and the percentage reduction in protein concentration is slightly lower (96 %).