Biofilm formation rate measurement in water and biomedical systems using photometric smartphones applications Available to Purchase

Measuring the rate of biofilm formation remains a significant challenge for researchers and specialists. Apart from the requirement for expensive equipment, the difficulty lies in striking a balance between accuracy and representability, as increased accuracy often sacrifices representability and vice versa. This challenge has spurred the need to develop an affordable, precise, and readily available method for measuring this property. One of the most effective techniques for biofilm rate measurement involves photometry, which relies on the reduction of light penetration as biofilm thickens. Recently, RWTH Aachen University in Germany introduced an open-source application that encompasses various physical measurements, including a light meter known as Phyphox, designed for educational and experimental purposes. This study investigates the feasibility of employing such technology for biofilm measurement and provides details about the relevant hardware. The results demonstrate the promising potential of utilizing smart device light meters to quantify biofilm formation rates. The findings indicate an inverse relationship between penetrating light and biofilm thickness. Consequently, we now have an affordable, readily available, and precise method for quantifying biofilm.