AgNPs doped TEOS sol–gel coatings to prevent the adhesion of marine fouling organisms

Abstract

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plants is considered to be cost effective and more eco-friendly than conventional techniques. In the authors' previous study, they reported the biosynthesis of AgNPs using fruit extract of Aegle marmelos which were of spherical shape and high crystallinity. In order to achieve enhanced synthesis, optimisation of process parameters influencing the yield of AgNPs has been carried out in this study. Box-Behnken design has been employed to optimise the parameters in order to enhance the synthesis of AgNPs. The antimicrofouling activity of the optimised AgNPs was determined by preparing AgNPs doped TEOS sol-gels (SNSGs) and evaluating their antibiofilm activity. In addition to this, antimacrofouling activity of the AgNPs was studied against molluscs viz. Patella sp. and Trochus sp. as model organisms. Anticrustacean assay was also performed with the larvae of brine shrimp ( Artemia salina ) as a model crustacean fouling organism. The results indicated that the AgNPs could completely inhibit the attachment of molluscs and significantly increased the percentage of mortality against crustacean fouling larvae. Thus, this study gives scope for the possible development of formulations containing AgNPs as effective antifouling agents that could prevent the adhesion of micro and macrofoulers thereby preventing marine biofouling.