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Center for Biofilm Engineering

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Center for Biofilm Engineering

 
 
 

Center for Biofilm Engineering at Montana State University

Helping industry find solutions to biofilm challenges and developing beneficial uses for biofilm.

 Learn More About Us

 

Advancing the frontiers of health, energy, industry, and the environment through biofilm research, education, and outreach.

In 2025 CBE marks a significant milestone—35 years of biofilm research and innovation. In this span of time, CBE has supported transdisciplinary research teams in the exploration of scientific inquiry, the development of standardized methods, the application of state-of-the-art imaging techniques, and customized service to industry's greatest biofilm challenges. 

As part of the MSU Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, the CBE gives students a chance to get a head start on their careers by working on research teams led by world-recognized leaders in the biofilm field.

 

 Meet The Team

 

 

Biofilms are 3.5 billion years old... Biofilm research is ONLY 35

 

We need to catch up...

 

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Biofilms are notoriously difficult to control.

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Biofilms create costly – and deadly – medical problems.

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$500 billion spent annually in the fight against biocorrosion.

 

 

Explore the Knowledge Base

 

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Biofilm Basics

Biofilms are remarkable communities of microorganisms that have been shaping the world since the days of early life.

 

 Learn More
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Biofilm Images

Our collection of conceptual graphics that help explain biofilm basics.

 

 

 

 

 Browse our Gallery
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Publications

Our searchable database of over 1,400 CBE-authored biofilm publications dating back to the mid-1970s.

 



 

 Browse our Database
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Bioimaging & Analytical Core Labs

The most advanced, centralized microscopy and analytical labs uniquely suited for biofilm research.

 



 

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Our Programs

 

Research

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Research at the Center for Biofilm Engineering is driven by national importance industrial, environmental, and health issues. CBE research has contributed new insights into microbial processes in a wide variety of contexts.

 Research Opportunities

Education

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Graduate and undergraduate students work under the guidance of the CBE’s multidisciplinary faculty in contiguous laboratories to solve problems associated with biofilms in medical, industrial, and environmental contexts.

 Education Opportunities

Industry

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Industrial partnerships help to keep the ultimate focus of CBE research on real-world applications. Technology transfer at the CBE involves not only information but standardized methods and technology development.

 Become a Member

Outreach

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The Center for Biofilm Engineering thrives on interactions with biofilm researchers, industry representatives, and regulatory bodies worldwide.



 Upcoming Events

 

 

Become A Corporate Member Today

Help us keep the ultimate focus of biofilm research on real-world applications

 

 Partner with the CBE

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Our Team Experiences

 

Research motivated by industrial concerns.

 

Next Science’s appreciation of the CBE team’s expertise, technical know-how, and innovative efforts has continued to grow over the past decade. The team’s ability to apply science to biological research and testing support has been invaluable to the development, regulatory clearance, and marketing of multiple Next Science products. CBE’s expertise and technical abilities continue to be key resources in the effort to help patients around the world fight against bacterial infections.


 
IA member 

Dr. Topher Hunter, Medical Liaison Manager, Next Science

Innovation to solve real-world biofilm problems.

 

Our IA program is a proven win/win partnership that enables us to provide innovative solutions to real-word biofilm challenges while helping our members ask paradigm-shifting questions such as, ‘What if …’ and ‘Why not?’


 
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Dr. Darla Goeres, Professor of Regulatory Research, CBE

Engaging and collaborative place to conduct research.

 

It has been lovely throughout my 5 years at the CBE to come into contact with so many representatives from the CBE member companies. The collaboration we have with industry has allowed many advances in my research, and I will continue to use such collaborations throughout my PhD.


 
PhD student

Madelyn Mettler, PhD Graduate, Chemical & Biological Engineering, MSU

 

 

 

 

Support The CBE Today

 

Please support the CBE to continue its multidisciplinary biofilm research efforts

 

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CBE News

 

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    Center for Biofilm Engineering

    Montana State University
    366 Barnard Hall 
    P.O. Box 173980
    Bozeman, MT 59717-3980
    Ph: (406) 994-4770

    Director
    Dr. Matthew Fields

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