Antifouling

We are a specialized independent test institute with years of experience in the efficacy testing of innovative, biocide-free and biocide-based antifouling systems, e.g. for shipping, offshore structures, and port constructions. Our experienced team performs static and dynamic field tests at our test stations on the island of Norderney. Our program also includes testing on vessels.

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Biofilms

We are experts in the propagation and characterization of various biofilm species. We also test products and processes to determine how effectively they prevent or reduce biofilm formation, for example in water-based systems, maritime biofilms, and biofilms in wounds.

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Biocorrosion & Material Testing

We are experts in experiments that use specialized test methods to investigate the biocorrosion of various materials such as concrete and steel. We test sediments to determine the risk of microbially induced corrosion and conduct material tests of concrete compounds in cooperation with the Frauenhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT. The services we offer also include damage clarification to determine whether the corrosion was microbially induced.

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Research projects

Our experts are involved in various research projects. You will find an overview of these here.

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News from our company

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January 25, 2022
Dr. Brill opens modern S2 molecular biology laborator
With the recruitment of the new laboratory manager Dr. Mashal Alawi as of April 1, 2021, we have gained a proven expert in the molecular biological analysis of environmental and human samples. He immediately established a molecular biology laboratory in the S2 area in Bremen with his new team. Now we are ready to offer comprehensive services. These are e.g. microbiome analyses using Next-Generation Sequencing techniques (NGS), identification of microorganisms and viruses (metagenomes and sangers) and quantification of microorganisms and fungi by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Applications of the methods are in the business areas of cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, biocorrosion and biofilm formation. Details can be found under "Molecular Biology".
December 16, 2021
New exposure site in Israel
Since December 2021 the Institute for Antifouling + Biocorrosion has a new location for simulated field tests in the Red Sea. With the collaboration of the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat (Israel) of Hebrew University of Jerusalem, test panels can be immersed statically and inspected monthly. The Red Sea is known as a famous destination for divers and the most northerly coral reef with a stunningly diverse marine life. Thus it is very suitable for antifouling testing in summer and winter.  
October 3, 2021
International Coastal Cleanup 2021
On September 24, the Norderney team of Dr. Brill + Partner participated in a beach cleanup for this year's "International Coastal Cleanup" organized by BUND (Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland). This is the largest voluntary marine conservation campaign in the world and took place in over 100 countries worldwide. With the help of two school classes of the seventh grade of the KGS Norderney, trash was collected for one morning in the national park at the beaches in the east of Norderney. The Brill employees also acted as leaders of the small groups of students. Against the background of the current discussion about plastic and microplastics in the sea, Dr. Brill and his Norderney team wanted to get actively involved. The campaign was a complete success: A lot of trash was collected and the Norderney school cohort was sensitized to this issue!  

Who we are

Our Institute for Antifouling and Biocorrosion offers unparalleled expertise in the investigation of antifouling products and microbially induced corrosion (MIC) in maritime and limnic environments. In addition, we offer comprehensive studies on microbial biofilms in our S2 laboratories.

We investigate the efficacy of antifouling systems for ships, recreational vessels, harbor structures and offshore structures at our own test stations on the island of Norderney and in cooperation with partners all over the world.

We test mortar and concrete to determine how resistant they are to biogenic sulphuric acid corrosion. In addition, we test sediments and other substances to determine MIC risks and calculate corrosion speeds.

Using static and dynamic bioreactors, we investigate biofilm formation, inhibition and removal. We perform testing of functionalized surfaces and microbicides. In addition, we perform resistance testing against antibiotics.

Our range of methods includes classical microbiological and molecular biological methods for the identification and quantification of microorganisms as well as bioactivity measurements, chemical-physical measurement techniques, and various microscopic analyses.

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