Microbial Control in Industrial Processes – History and Future Trends

Mankind has lived in harmony with beneficial microorganisms while devising ingenious methods to control deleterious effects associated with microbial activity such as spoilage, disease and loss of general aesthetics. Simple preservation techniques have evolved in to sophisticated and targeted control approaches that are in practice today. Regulations, primarily in US and Europe, have further shaped the use of microbial control agents by assessing biocidal products for safety, long-term effects on environment and effective performance among various criteria. Modern day uses demand properties in biocides that are challenging yet conflicting. Stipulations include demand for biocides that are effective yet safe, quick acting yet not damage the system being protected, demonstrate long-term effect without persisting in the environment, eliminate only target organisms without harming microbes perceived as beneficial, be useful under heavy microbial load yet be immune to resistance development  etc.  In keeping with these diverse demands, this field continues to develop and create sustainable solutions for microbial control.  This presentation will attempt to summarize the author’s views on how we got here and where we could be headed.