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Biofilms

Ozone and Biofilms: Regulatory Status & Approvals

Ozone has long been used as a biocide to combat biofilms in various applications. While historically classified as a non-approved biocide, ozone now falls under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) in the EU and UK.

 

Ozone as a Biocide: Regulatory Updates

  • BPR Compliance: Ozone is now within the scope of the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR).

  • EU Approval: Ozone has been approved as an active substance within the EU.

  • UK Applications: Submission of applications is in progress, with delays due to Brexit.

  • Biocidal Product Types (PTs): Applications have been made for PT2, PT4, PT5, and PT11.

    • PT4: Specifically for food hygiene applications.

 

Ozone and Biofilms: Preventative & Curative Uses

Ozone is being proposed as a preventative and curative solution for biofilm control, with applications in:

  • Irrigation water systems

  • Ice machines

  • Food processing and hygiene sectors

 

Research & Validation

  • Initial research conducted at Campden BRI and Cardiff Metropolitan University.

  • Ongoing studies continue to support product application submissions and expand evidence of ozone’s effectiveness against biofilms.

 

By leveraging ozone’s antimicrobial properties, businesses can enhance biofilm prevention and removal across multiple industries. Stay updated on regulatory developments to ensure compliance with BPR-approved biocidal products.

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Ozone Biofilm Research: Advancing Prevention & Remediation

Ozone Industries & Regulatory Compliance

  • Ozone Industries is a UK-based company and a member of the European Ozone Trade Association (EUOTA).

  • EUOTA is a consortium of ozone companies working toward compliance with the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR).

 

Innovate UK Grant & Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)

  • Ozone Industries received an Innovate UK Grant under the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).

  • The KTP project, based at Cardiff Metropolitan University (CMU), focuses on developing methodologies for biofilm prevention and remediation.

 

Biofilm Research & Microbial Testing

  • CMU has developed biofilm test protocols for:

    • Staphylococcus aureus

    • Pseudomonas aeruginosa

    • Listeria monocytogenes

  • CMU is now joining the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) to expand research.

  • The next phase includes studies on polymicrobial biofilms and bench-top validation leading to potential field trials.

 

By pioneering ozone-based biofilm prevention and remediation, Ozone Industries is at the forefront of research that supports BPR compliance and real-world applications.

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Ozone Research Group
Innovate UK
Cardiff Met

Why Choose Ozone for Biofilm Control & Water Treatment?

Ozone (O₃) is a powerful, eco-friendly disinfectant that outperforms traditional chemical treatments in biofilm removal, water purification, and microbial control. Here’s why ozone is the superior choice:

 

Stronger Oxidizing Power

  • Ozone is a more potent oxidant than chlorine or hydrogen peroxide.

  • It effectively breaks down biofilms and prevents their formation.

Faster Disinfection

  • Ozone reacts rapidly with microorganisms and organic matter.

  • It disrupts biofilm formation faster than conventional disinfectants.

No Harmful Residues

  • Unlike chlorine, ozone naturally decomposes into oxygen (Oâ‚‚).

  • This leaves no harmful chemical residues in water.

Broad-Spectrum Effectiveness

  • Ozone eliminates bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, including chlorine-resistant pathogens like Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

Prevents Bacterial Resistance

  • Ozone oxidizes microbial cell components, making it difficult for bacteria to develop resistance—unlike conventional disinfectants.

Reduces Chemical Dependency

  • Ozone treatment minimizes the use of additional chemicals, reducing environmental and health risks.

Improves Water Quality

  • Ozone removes organic and inorganic contaminants, enhancing taste, odor, and clarity.

  • Unlike chlorine, it does not produce harmful by-products like trihalomethanes (THMs) or haloacetic acids (HAAs).

Continuous Biofilm Control

  • Ozone prevents biofilm buildup by breaking down extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that bacteria use to adhere to surfaces.

 

Challenges to Consider

✅ Short Half-Life – Ozone decomposes quickly, requiring on-site generation.
✅ Higher Initial Cost – Ozone generators can have higher upfront costs than traditional chemical dosing systems.

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Conclusion

Ozone is a fast, effective, and environmentally friendly solution for biofilm prevention, water purification, and microbial control. Despite its short half-life and initial investment, its long-term benefits in reducing chemicals, improving water quality, and preventing resistance make it the best choice for sustainable disinfection.

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