Novel Approaches to Combat Biofilms

MARCH 10-12, 2026 | RALEIGH, NC
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New! Novel Approaches
to Combat Biofilms

The symposium will highlight cutting-edge advances at the intersection of biomaterials science, microbiology, and surface engineering. This event will feature presentations from leaders that will consider a wide variety of technologies to prevent and disrupt biofilm formation, including biologically inspired materials, smart coatings, and artificial intelligence-based approaches for the development of anti-biofilm materials. The talks will also consider design principles, emerging technologies, and translational challenges, with applications in healthcare and environmental systems.

Topics & Application Areas

Smart Materials – Stimuli-responsive materials to prevent and disrupt biofilm formation
AI-Driven Material Discovery – Machine learning and artificial intelligence-based approaches to prevent and disrupt biofilm formation
Nanotechnology-Based Technologies – Nanoparticles and nanostructured surfaces technologies to prevent and disrupt biofilm formation
Bio-Based Technologies – Bio-based technologies to prevent and disrupt biofilm formation
Translational Consideration - Translation of technologies for healthcare and environmental applications
Other

Symposium Co-Chairs

Roger Narayan

Professor

North Carolina State University

Robin Brigmon

Adjunct Professor

Clemson University

Key Speakers

A role for Copper-Infused Linens for Healthcare Associated Infection Mitigation

Michael Schmidt

Professor,

Medical University of South Carolina

Jeseth Delgado Vela

Assistant Professor

Duke University

Challenges of Biofilm Prevention and Removal and Novel Tools for Studying Them

Andrew Jones

Assistant Professor,

Duke University

Adaptation of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy for Rapid, Non-contact Evaluation of Biofilm Growth for In-situ Analysis

Chuck Turick

Consultant,

ElectrioBioDyne

Modified Orthopedic Implant Surface for Effective Bacterial Biofilm Control

Tzuen-Rong (Jeremy) Tzeng

Professor,

Clemson University

Back to Top ↑ 2026 Symposium Sessions
	Wednesday March 11
9:30	Novel Approaches to Combat Biofilms I
1:30	Novel Approaches to Combat Biofilms II
4:00	Biofilms - Posters

2026 Symposium Program
	Wednesday March 11

9:30	Novel Approaches to Combat Biofilms I	Marriott State F
	Session chair: Roger Narayan, North Carolina State University, & Robin Brigmon, Clemson University
	Challenges of Biofilm Prevention and Removal and Novel Tools for Studying Them A-A. Jones, Duke University, US
	Adaptation of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy for Rapid, Non-contact Evaluation of Biofilm Growth for In-situ Analysis C.E. Turick, ElectroBioDyne, LLC, US
	Modified Orthopedic Implant Surface for Effective Bacterial Biofilm Control T.J. Tzeng, S.B. Behbahani, J.D. Desjardins, Clemson University, US
	The Use of Engineered Thin Films for the Management of Microbial Biofilms A. Sachan, R.J. Narayan, North Carolina State University, US
	Legionella pneumophila densities in cooling tower biofilms associated with water chemistry R.L. Brigmon, C. D. Smith, S. F. Oppenheimer, Clemson University & Augusta University, US

1:30	Novel Approaches to Combat Biofilms II	Marriott State F
	Session chair: Roger Narayan, North Carolina State University, & Robin Brigmon, Clemson University
	Leveraging microbial signals for biofilm control J. Delgado Vela, Duke University, US
	The Next Layer of Defense: Integrating Copper Textiles to Crush HAIs M.G. Schmidt, Medical University of South Carolina, US
	Unique, Porous Wall Hollow Glass Microspheres and New Opportunities in Novel Drug Delivery Systems and Treatments of Infections G.G Wicks, P.M. Weinberger, W.D. Hill, SpheroFill/ Applied Research Center, US
	Phage‑Architecture Antibacterial Nanoparticles Coatings Create Bactericidal Anti-Biofilm Surfaces J. Hopf, C. Kudary, S. Lee, D. Donahue, V. Ploplis, F.J. Castellino, P. Nallathamby, Berthiaume Institute for Precision Health / University of Notre Dame, US
	STUDENT BEST ABSTRACT WINNER Dual-Action Anti-Biofouling Organogel for Enhanced Anti-Biofilm Surface Protection M.C. Parker, A. Shome, V.D. Pinon, N. Crutchfield, M. Garren, E.J. Brisbois, H. Handa, University of Georgia, US

4:00	Biofilms - Posters	Expo Hall AB
	STUDENT BEST ABSTRACT WINNER Long-Term Nitric Oxide-Releasing Aliphatic Lubricants: Infusion in Polymers for Enhanced Slippery and Antibacterial Efficacy G.H. Nguyen, M. Garren, M. Clary, V. Pinon, H. Handa, E.J. Brisbois., University of Georgia, US
	Engineering Nitric Oxide-Releasing Ciprofloxacin-SNAP Catheters: In Vivo Infectious Model M.C. Parker, S. Kumar, I. Martinez, V.D. Pinon, M. Lancaster, C. Schmiedt, B. Brainard, E.J. Brisbois, H. Handa, University of Georgia, US
	ReliOx™: An On-Demand, pH-Neutral Chlorine Dioxide Redox Platform for Biofilm Disruption and Translational Decontamination Applications E.T. Johnson, ReliOx Corporation, US