Abstract
Biofilms formed on submerged marine surfaces play a critical role in the fouling process, causing increased fuel consumption, corrosion, and high maintenance costs. Thus, marine biofouling is a major issue and motivates the development of antifouling coatings. In this study, the performance of two commercial marine coatings, a foul-release silicone-based paint (SilRef) and an epoxy resin (EpoRef), was evaluated regarding their abilities to prevent biofilm formation by Cyanobium sp. and Pseudoalteromonas tunicata (common microfoulers). Biofilms were developed under defined hydrodynamic conditions to simulate marine settings, and the number of biofilm cells, wet weight, and thickness were monitored for 7 weeks. The biofilm structure was analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) at the end-point. Results demonstrated that EpoRef surfaces were effective in inhibiting biofilm formation at initial stages (until day 28), while SilRef surfaces showed high efficacy in decreasing biofilm formation during maturation (from day 35 onwards). Wet weight and thickness analysis, as well as CLSM data, indicate that SilRef surfaces were less prone to biofilm formation than EpoRef surfaces. Furthermore, the efficacy of SilRef surfaces may be dependent on the fouling microorganism, while the performance of EpoRef was strongly influenced by a combined effect of surface and microorganism.
Highlights
In marine environments, aquatic micro and macroorganisms—such as bacteria, algae, and invertebrates—spontaneously colonize submerged surfaces in a process known as biofouling [1,2].This natural phenomenon has severe economic and environmental implications all over the world [1,2,3].Fouling organisms attached to marine vessel hulls promote surface corrosion and increase frictional drag, leading to higher dry-docking periods and fuel consumption, respectively [1]
The present study aims to evaluate the long-time performance of a silicone-based paint and an epoxy resin against biofilm formation by two common microfouling organisms, Pseudoalteromonas tunicata and Cyanobium sp
The long-term performance of two commercial marine coatings, a silicone-based paint and an epoxy resin, to prevent biofilm formation by common microfoulers was demonstrated through the kinetic evaluation of different biofilm parameters, including the number of biofilm cells, wet weight, and thickness
Summary
Aquatic micro and macroorganisms—such as bacteria, algae, and invertebrates—spontaneously colonize submerged surfaces in a process known as biofouling [1,2].This natural phenomenon has severe economic and environmental implications all over the world [1,2,3].Fouling organisms attached to marine vessel hulls promote surface corrosion and increase frictional drag, leading to higher dry-docking periods and fuel consumption, respectively [1]. Aquatic micro and macroorganisms—such as bacteria, algae, and invertebrates—spontaneously colonize submerged surfaces in a process known as biofouling [1,2]. This natural phenomenon has severe economic and environmental implications all over the world [1,2,3]. Marine biofouling promotes the bio-invasion of non-indigenous species traveling with marine vessels (ships, yachts, or sailing boats) between different ecosystems, playing a negative impact on global biodiversity [4,5,6]. Inhibiting biofouling is one of the most important challenges faced by marine industries and environmental agencies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
