Effective Fabrication and Characterization of Eco-friendly Nano Chitosan Capped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Effective Marine Fouling Inhibition

Abstract

Abstract Since the inhibition of organotin as antifouling additives in 2003, many scientists direct their efforts to develop novel environment-friendly marine antifouling additives. This work declares and evaluates the antifouling activity of Nano chitosan capped ZnO nanoparticles against primary biofilm and biofouling. Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared from the shrimp shell obtained, which will be environmentally friendly and will have no adverse effects on the environment's antialgal, antimicrobial and antifungal characteristics. Using co-precipitation method, the present study manages synthesis and characterization of Nano chitosan capped ZnO nanoparticles (NCCZO NPs) and was identified by FTIR, XRD, HRTEM, SEM, EDX, and UV-VIS. NCCZO NPs have been mixed in the prepared formula of inert marine paint. The formulated paints were then brushed twice on PVC panels, hung in a steel frame and immersed in the Mediterranean Sea Eastern Harbor of Alexandria, followed by visual examination and photographic recordings. The findings revealed once 64 days of immersion that (NCCZO NPs) are resistant to tubeworms and barnacles formation due to their functional groups. This inhibition activity was linked to the significant functional groups (hydroxyl and amine) of the NCCZO NPs. The strong antifouling activity makes them promising candidates for new antifouling additives.