Antifouling Solutions Research Articles

Sustainable hydrology through an Eco-friendly Xanthone-based approach in coating solutions

Traditional antifouling (AF) biocides have raised environmental concerns, prompting a search for sustainable alternatives. This study addresses this pressing issue by reviewing xanthone derivatives as promising candidates for environmentally friendly AF coatings, showcasing a balance between enhanced AF activity and minimal environmental impact. Furthermore, an innovative, scalable, and highly versatile methodology based on a green nanopalladium-supported catalyst on biochar is presented as an interesting alternative to synthesize diverse xanthone derivatives. This approach aligns with sustainable practices in organic synthesis and expands the repertoire of potential antifouling solutions.

Antifouling activity of aquatic macrophyte extracts on estuarine bacterial biofilms

ABSTRACT Ecologically safe antifouling solutions have received growing attention since the acknowledgment of the environmental risks of traditional biocides used currently. Given that bacteria constitute the initial stage of the biofouling process, this work aims to evaluate the antifouling potential of aquatic macrophyte extracts in inhibiting biofilm-forming bacteria and to evaluate their ecotoxicological effects on target and nontarget organisms (Thalassiosira pseudonana and Nitokra sp.). For this, the ability of 25 macrophyte extracts to inhibit and eradicate single and multispecies estuarine biofilms was evaluated. The extracts and respective serial dilutions that showed a biofilm inhibitory effect ≥ 60% were evaluated in ecotoxicological assays. Of the 25 extracts, only 6 extracts inhibited the biofilm ≥ 60%. The extracts of Cabomba caroliniana and Schoenoplectus californicus stood out as having a biofilm inhibitory effect ≥ 80% (p < 0.05) for bacterial isolates and ≥ 70% (p < 0.05) for multispecies biofilms. Furthermore, these extracts showed no toxic effects on nontarget organisms. These results demonstrate the biotechnological potential of macrophyte compounds.

Creating New Antifoulants Using the Tools and Tactics of Medicinal Chemistry.

The unwanted accumulation of marine micro- and macroorganisms such as algae and barnacles on submerged man-made structures and vessel hulls is a major challenge for any marine operation. Known as biofouling, this problem leads to reduced hydrodynamic efficiency, significantly increased fuel usage, microbially induced corrosion, and, if not managed appropriately, eventual loss of both performance and structural integrity. Ship hull biofouling in the international maritime transport network conservatively accounts for 0.6% of global carbon emissions, highlighting the global scale and the importance of this problem. Improved antifouling strategies to limit surface colonization are paramount for essential activities such as shipping, aquaculture, desalination, and the marine renewable energy sector, representing both a multibillion dollar cost and a substantial practical challenge. From an ecological perspective, biofouling is a primary contributor to the global spread of invasive marine species, which has extensive implications for the marine environment.Historically, heavy metal-based toxic biocides have been used to control biofouling. However, their unwanted collateral ecological damage on nontarget species and bioaccumulation has led to recent global bans. With expanding human activities within aquaculture and offshore energy, it is both urgent and apparent that environmentally friendly surface protection remains key for maintaining the function of both moving and stationary marine structures. Biofouling communities are typically a highly complex network of both micro- and macroorganisms, representing a broad section of life from bacteria to macrophytes and animals. Given this diversity, it is unrealistic to expect that a single antifouling "silver bullet" will prevent colonization with the exception of generally toxic biocides. For that reason, modern and future antifouling solutions are anticipated to rely on novel coating technologies and "combination therapies" where mixtures of narrow-spectrum bioactive components are used to provide coverage across fouling species. In contrast to the existing cohort of outdated, toxic antifouling strategies, such as copper- and tributyltin-releasing paints, modern drug discovery techniques are increasingly being employed for the rational design of effective yet safe alternatives. The challenge for a medicinal chemistry approach is to effectively account for the large taxonomic diversity among fouling organisms combined with a lack of well-defined conserved molecular targets within most taxa.The current Account summarizes our work employing the tools of modern medicinal chemistry to discover, modify, and develop optimized and scalable antifouling solutions based on naturally occurring antifouling and repelling compounds from both marine and terrestrial sources. Inspiration for rational design comes from targeted studies on allelopathic natural products, natural repelling peptides, and secondary metabolites from sessile marine organisms with clean exteriors, which has yielded several efficient and promising antifouling leads.

Disruption of diatom attachment on marine bioinspired antifouling materials based on Brill (Scophthalmus rhombus)

Bioinspired surfaces, due to their nano and micro topographical features, offer a promising approach for the development of novel antifouling solutions. The study of surface topography has gained popularity in recent years, demonstrating significant potential in mimicking natural structures that could be manufactured for application in the marine environment. This research focuses on investigating the antifouling (AF) performance of bio-inspired micro-textures inspired by Brill fish scales, Scophthalmus rhombus, under static laboratory conditions, using two common fouling diatom species, Amphora coffeaeformis and Nitzschia ovalis. In this study, we evaluate six engineered surfaces, inspired by Brill fish scales, fabricated through a 2-photon polymerization (2PP) process, for their potential as antifouling solutions. The investigation explores the settlement behaviour of microfouling organisms, comparing these mechanisms with theoretical models to guide the future design of antifouling materials. A key emphasis is placed on the impact of surface topography on the disruption of cellular response. Our results suggest that cells smaller than 10 μm, exceeding the peak-to-peak distances between surface features, comfortably position themselves between adjacent features. On the other hand, as peak-to-peak distances decrease, cells shift from settling within uniform gaps to resting on top of surface features. Surfaces with sharpened edges demonstrate a more substantial reduction in diatom attachments compared to those with rounded edges. Furthermore, all micro-textured surfaces exhibit a significant decrease in colony formation compared to control samples. In conclusion, this study shows the potential to manipulate cellular responses through topographical features, providing valuable insights for the design of effective antifouling materials. The results contribute to the growing body of knowledge in biomimetic antifouling strategies using a novel marine organism for inspiration to design practical structures that can be replicated.

A Numerical Study to Compare the Antifouling Potential of two Bio-inspired Antifouling Topographies Derived from the Pilot whale skin and the Zebra mussels

Biofouling occurs naturally in aquatic environments when microorganisms attach to surfaces and form colonies. The destruction of equipment has occurred in a number of well-known economic sectors, including the power and water treatment industries. Large ships and boats face performance issues due to biofouling, such as increased fuel costs and drag. Inhibiting surfaces, toxic coatings, foul release coatings, and physical removal are just a few of the techniques that have been created and used to prevent biofouling. Some of these strategies are known to be expensive, not eco-friendly, and time-consuming. Inspired by the surface topography of zebra mussel shells and pilot whale’s skin, it stays biofoul free. This study’s objective is to assess the two bio-inspired topographies’ ability to prevent fouling. This study looks at how fouling organisms would respond to the hydrodynamic properties of the aforementioned topographies as well as whether geometric size and features have an effect on them. This study aims to clarify or advance our current understanding of biomimicry and antifouling technology because testing of biomimicry-based antifouling solutions is lacking. This research focuses on explaining the nature of microorganisms in water that settle on surfaces and how they react to disturbances caused by fluid flow. They don’t tend to build up on the surface due to the relationship between flow and the different sizes of the surface geometry. Test the hypothesis that the non-bounded high shear stress ripple features on the Zebra mussel’s shell have lower antifouling efficiency compared to the Pilot whale’s skin, which contributes to antifouling efficiency because of its high shear nanoridges, micropores, and gel-coated skin properties. Therefore, if the terrain size is smaller than the invasive organism, the effective range of antifouling is expected to be in the range of 100 µm - 300 µm. The performance of the two bio-inspired topographies was assessed using CFD ANSYS (Fluent) in an entirely numerical study. Two CAD-created representations of the bio-inspired topographies were positioned inside a fluid domain (5 mm, 5 mm, and 50 mm) under specific boundary conditions, including no slip walls assigned to the fluid domain walls, an inlet velocity of 0.05 ms-1, and the flowing fluid being water. Detailed surface meshing and mesh quality are necessary to prove a reliable solution. The velocity profile, vorticity, and wall shear stress of the surface were examined in order to determine the antifouling effectiveness. Utilizing contour and streamline plots, the flow over the topography models was examined. Based on the hypothesis, the results showed that not only does geometry affect microbial settlement but also size. Topographic patterns with larger sizes were associated with higher settlements of algae and barnacles in low velocity areas. Microbial settling may also be aided by the emergence of low shear stress and vorticity in the lower part of the topography. However, the high shear region that forms close to kink sites or sharp edges and the hydrodynamic disturbance near the surface both have an impact on reducing bacterial attachment. To add to this finding, it is still important for science to consider and conduct research on the novel strategy of using surfaces that mimic biological systems to reduce biofouling and other alternative methods to develop sustainable technology.

In Situ Application of Anti-Fouling Solutions on a Mosaic of the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica.

Biodegradation is among the most common issues affecting Cultural Heritage stone materials in outdoor environments. In recent years, the application of chemical agents with biocidal activity has been the most usual practice when dealing with biofilm removal. In outdoor environments, the use of these biocides is not effective enough, since the materials are constantly exposed to environmental agents and atmospheric pollutants. Thus, it becomes necessary to protect the surface of Cultural Heritage works with antimicrobial coatings to either prevent or at least limit future colonization. In this study, innovative biocides—both natural and synthetic—were applied on a Roman mosaic located in the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica to compare their effectiveness in removing the biological degradation affecting it. In addition, an antimicrobial coating called “SI-QUAT” was applied and analyzed in situ. SI-QUAT has recently entered the market for its prevention activity against biocolonization. The biocidal activity of these products was tested and monitored using different analytical portable instruments, such as the multispectral system, the spectrocolorimeter, and the bioluminometer. The analyses showed that promising results can be obtained using the combination of the biocide and the protective effect of Preventol® RI50 and SI-QUAT.

Growth and biofilm formation of Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 on different metallic and polymeric materials used in spaceflight applications

Bacteria biofilm formation and its complications are of special concern in isolated structures, such as offshore stations, manned submarines and space habitats, as maintenance and technical support are poorly accessible due to costs and/or logistical challenges. In addition, considering that future exploration missions are planned to adventure farther and longer in space, unlocking biofilm formation mechanisms and developing new antifouling solutions are key goals in order to ensure spacecraft’s efficiency, crew’s safety and mission success. In this work, we explored the interactions between Cupriavidus metallidurans, a prevalently identified contaminant onboard the International Space Station, and aerospace grade materials such as the titanium alloy TiAl6V4, the stainless steel AISI 316 (SS316) and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon. Borosilicate glass was used as a control and all surfaces were investigated at two different pH values (5.0 and 7.0). Biofilms were almost absent on stainless steel and the titanium alloy contrary to Teflon and glass that were covered by an extensive biofilm formed via monolayers of scattered matrix-free cells and complex multilayered clusters or communities. Filamentous extracellular DNA structures were observed specifically in the complex multilayered clusters adherent to Teflon, indicating that the employed attachment machinery might depend on the physicochemical characteristics of the surface.

Development of Antibacterial and Antifouling Innovative and Eco-Sustainable Sol-Gel Based Materials: From Marine Areas Protection to Healthcare Applications.

Bacterial colonization of surfaces is the leading cause of deterioration and contaminations. Fouling and bacterial settlement led to damaged coatings, allowing microorganisms to fracture and reach the inner section. Therefore, effective treatment of surface damaged material is helpful to detach bio-settlement from the surface and prevent deterioration. Moreover, surface coatings can withdraw biofouling and bacterial colonization due to inherent biomaterial characteristics, such as superhydrophobicity, avoiding bacterial resistance. Fouling was a past problem, yet its untargeted toxicity led to critical environmental concerns, and its use became forbidden. As a response, research shifted focus approaching a biocompatible alternative such as exciting developments in antifouling and antibacterial solutions and assessing their antifouling and antibacterial performance and practical feasibility. This review introduces state-of-the-art antifouling and antibacterial materials and solutions for several applications. In particular, this paper focuses on antibacterial and antifouling agents for concrete and cultural heritage conservation, antifouling sol–gel-based coatings for filtration membrane technology, and marine protection and textile materials for biomedicine. In addition, this review discusses the innovative synthesis technologies of antibacterial and antifouling solutions and the consequent socio-economic implications. The synthesis and the related physico-chemical characteristics of each solution are discussed. In addition, several characterization techniques and different parameters that influence the surface finishing coatings deposition were also described.

Diversity and activities of pioneer bacteria, algae, and fungi colonizing ceramic roof tiles during the first year of outdoor exposure

Like other building materials, ceramic roof tiles are biodeteriorated over time. Natural conditions affect deterioration processes, but the development of a biofilm composed of many types of microorganisms also plays a critical role in biodeterioration. However, the pioneering stages of biofilm formation remain poorly studied, whereas they determine the development of the well-characterized mature biofilms. To further characterize this pioneering microbial diversity, the bacterial, algal, and fungal colonization of new tiles exposed to outdoor conditions over one full year was monitored, combining fluorimetry, biofilm imaging (SEM, confocal macroscopy), culture-based, and high-throughput sequencing approaches. For all the samples, pioneering biofilms were found to be extremely diverse but dominated by Actinobacteria (Pantoea sp. - up to 90% of the bacterial diversity -, and Pseudomonas sp. -up to 75%-), Chlorophyta (Trebouxiophyceae -100% of the algal diversity-), and Pleosporales (Alternaria sp. -up to 75% of the fungal diversity-). Interestingly, if biofilm development was highly heterogeneous between tiles and exposition sites, microbial colonization patterns succession remained comparable regardless of tile type and exposure site. Additionally, we investigated whether microbial isolates collected in this study harbor some physiological traits related to their pioneer character. This work revealed that pioneer organisms colonizing tiles harbored interesting features like the ability to produce biofilm matrix and anti-quorum sensing and antimicrobial compounds, highlighting the intense competition between the microbial players during the priming of the tile colonization. Altogether, our results emphasize the necessity to taxonomically and functionally characterize the key pioneering microorganisms involved in biofilm formation to design innovative antifouling solutions for ceramic roof tiles.

Assessment of the environmental compatibility and antifouling performance of an innovative biocidal and foul-release multifunctional marine coating

The control of marine biofouling has raised serious environmental concerns, thus the continuous release of toxic and persistent biocidal agents applied as anti-biofouling coatings have triggered the search for non-toxic strategies. However, most of them still lack rigorous evaluation of their ecotoxicity and antifouling effects under real scenarios and their correlation with simulated assays. In this work, the biocide releasing risk and ecotoxicity of a biocidal and foul-release polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based marine coating containing grafted Econea biocide (<0.6 wt.%) were evaluated under simulated real mechanical wear conditions at a pilot-scale system, and under extreme wear scenarios (washability settings). The coating system demonstrated low environmental impact against the model Vibrio fischeri bacterium and marine algae, associated with the effective biocide grafting in the coating matrix and subsequent biocide release minimization. This multifunctional coating system also showed auspicious antifouling (AF) effects, with an AF performance index significantly higher (API > 89) than a single foul-release system (AF < 40) after two and half years at a real immersion scenario in the Portuguese shore of the Atlantic Ocean. These field results corroborated the antibiofilm performance evaluated with Pseudoalteromonas tunicata at simulated dynamic marine conditions after seven-week assays. This eco-friendly multifunctional strategy, validated by both simulated testing conditions and real field tests, is believed to be a powerful tool for the development of AF technologies and a potential contribution to the quest for new environmentally friendly antifouling solutions.

The marine invasive seaweeds Asparagopsis armata and Sargassum muticum as targets for greener antifouling solutions

Biofouling is a complex phenomenon that affects all maritime dependent industries. The accumulation of both micro and macro-organisms in immerged structures increases significantly the maintenance expenses, and thus the use of antifouling substances is inevitable. Although with recognized antifouling properties, the available antifouling coatings are known to induce negative impacts in aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, greener alternatives are urgently required. Living underwater, marine organisms are prone to biofouling and some have developed strategies to defend themselves against undesirable organisms, which include the production of bioactive substances. As a result, marine organisms are promising sources of natural antifouling substances. Within this framework, the marine invasive seaweeds Sargassum muticum and Asparagopsis armata were addressed for antifouling compounds biodiscovery. Both seaweeds revealed antifouling properties against microfoulers, namely algicidal and anti-biofilm activities; however Asparagopsis armata stand out for its capacity to inhibit marine bacteria and microalgae growth, to decrease biofilm formation, and for acting as a neurotransmitter disruptor through the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity. By addressing invasive species, the problematic of the biological material supply for industrial purposes is surpassed while mitigating the negative impacts of invasive species through specimen's collection.

Multiple Megaplasmids Confer Extremely High Levels of Metal Tolerance in Alteromonas Strains.

Alteromonas is a widely distributed genus of marine Gammaproteobacteria, with representatives shown to be key players in diverse processes, including biogeochemical cycling and biofouling of marine substrata. While Alteromonas spp. are early colonizers of copper-based antifouling paints on marine vessels, their mechanism of tolerance is poorly understood. PacBio whole-genome sequencing of Alteromonas macleodii strains CUKW and KCC02, isolated from Cu/Ni alloy test coupons submerged in oligotrophic coastal waters, indicated the presence of multiple megaplasmids (ca. 200 kb) in both. A pulsed-field gel electrophoresis method was developed and used to confirm the presence of multiple megaplasmids in these two strains; it was then used to screen additional Alteromonas strains for which little to no sequencing data exist. Plasmids were not detected in any of the other strains. Bioinformatic analysis of the CUKW and KCC02 plasmids identified numerous genes associated with metal resistance. Copper resistance orthologs from both the Escherichia coli Cue and Cus and Pseudomonas syringae Cop systems were present, at times as multiple copies. Metal growth assays in the presence of copper, cobalt, manganese, and zinc performed with 10 Alteromonas strains demonstrated the ability of CUKW and KCC02 to grow at metal concentrations inhibitory to all the other strains tested. This study reports multiple megaplasmids in Alteromonas strains. Bioinformatic analysis of the CUKW and KCC02 plasmids indicate that they harbor elements of the Tra system conjugation apparatus, although their type of mobility remains to be experimentally verified.IMPORTANCE Copper is commonly used as an antifouling agent on ship hulls. Alteromonas spp. are early colonizers of copper-based antifouling paint, but their mechanism of tolerance is poorly understood. Sequencing of A. macleodii strains isolated from copper test materials for marine ships indicated the presence of multiple megaplasmids. Plasmids serve as key vectors in horizontal gene transfer and confer traits such as metal resistance, detoxification, ecological interaction, and antibiotic resistance. Bioinformatic analysis identified many metal resistance genes and genes associated with mobility. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and capacity for gene transfer within marine biofilms provides a platform for the development of novel antifouling solutions targeting genes involved in copper tolerance and biofilm formation.

Modern Approaches to the Development of Marine Antifouling Coatings

At present, 75–80% of the current operating costs of conventional transport are expended for fuel. According to the International Maritime Organization, the world fleet burns 300 million tons of fuel annually, releasing into the atmosphere 960 million tons of СО2 and 9 million tons of SO2. As a result of fouling, the speed of ships may decrease by 50%. By 2020, without new technologies that reduce fuel consumption, air emissions can grow 40%, taking into account constantly increasing volumes of traffic. Therefore, defense methods against marine overgrowth are an urgent topic, and many leading firms are developing antifouling solutions. The paper considers the main means of protection against fouling with the help of polymer coatings, namely, contact active coatings, nonleaching coatings, self-polishing coatings, and non-biocidal coatings. The mechanism of using polymer coatings, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, is described.

Biomimetic Approaches for the Development of New Antifouling Solutions: Study of Incorporation of Macroalgae and Sponge Extracts for the Development of New Environmentally-Friendly Coatings.

Biofouling causes major economic losses in the maritime industry. In our site study, the Bay of La Paz (Gulf of California), biofouling on immersed structures is a major problem and is treated mostly with copper-based antifouling paints. Due to the known environmental effect of such treatments, the search for environmentally friendly alternatives in this zone of high biodiversity is a priority to ensure the conservation and protection of species. The aim of this work was to link chemical ecology to marine biotechnology: indeed, the natural defense of macroalgae and sponge was evaluated against biofoulers (biofilm and macrofoulers) from the same geographical zone, and some coatings formulation was done for field assays. Our approach combines in vitro and field bioassays to ensure the selection of the best AF agent prospects. The 1st step consisted of the selection of macroalgae (5 species) and sponges (2 species) with surfaces harboring a low level of colonizers; then extracts were prepared and assayed for toxicity against Artemia, activity towards key marine bacteria involved in biofilm formation in the Bay of La Paz, and the potency to inhibit adhesion of macroorganisms (phenoloxidase assays). The most active and non-toxic extracts were further studied for biofouling activity in the adhesion of the bacteria involved in biofilm formation and through incorporation in marine coatings which were immersed in La Paz Bay during 40 days. In vitro assays demonstrated that extracts of Laurencia gardneri, Sargassum horridum (macroalgae), Haliclona caerulea and Ircinia sp. (sponges) were the most promising. The field test results were of high interest as the best formulation were composed of extracts of H. caerulea and S. horridum and led to a reduction of 32% of biofouling compared with the control.

Microstructural Surface Properties of Drifting Seeds-A Model for Non-Toxic Antifouling Solutions.

A major challenge in the shipping and marine industry is the biofouling on under water surfaces. So far, biocides have been the main remedy for the prevention of the adhesion of microorganisms that is also influenced by surface topography. In recent years, research projects have explored microstructured surfaces as a non-toxic antifouling strategy. In this study, physical factors of surfaces of seeds of 43 plant species were analyzed with regards to their antifouling effects. After exposure to cold water of the North Sea during the swarming periods of the barnacles larvae, the surface microstructures of seeds without fouling of barnacles were identified and compared with each other, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In order to validate the findings, selected microstructured surface structure properties were transferred to technical surfaces with a 2-component silicon system and subjected to the same conditions. The results of the analyses confirmed that drifting seeds with specific microstructural surface structure properties promote biofouling defense of epibionts. These results serve as a starting point for the development of non-toxic antifouling agents based on the interaction of microstructures and geometric shapes.

Towards eco-friendly biocides: preparation, antibiofilm activity of hemibastadin analogues.

The antibiofilm activity of three hemibastadins analogues was evaluated against different marine bacterial strains through mono-species biofilms and through a multi-species model of biofilm. Results showed that compound 3 exhibited interesting antibiofilm efficiencies effective concentrations (EC50 ) in the range of 30-100μmoll-1 without acute toxicity against bacteria. Toxicity against nontargeted organisms was also considered showing that the compound did not affect the global bacterial community at a concentration of 75-100μmoll-1 . These results provided baseline data concerning the toxicity of antibiofilm biocides against marine organisms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study reports relevant information about antibiofilm activity of original derivatives of hemibastadin alkaloids. The most active compound was shown to act as a specific anti-biofilm inhibitor without affecting viability of the targeted bacteria no more than those of the global bacterial community of a seawater sample. Taken together, these findings indicate the potentiality of such compounds to be used as original nonbiocidal molecules for designing eco-friendly antifouling solutions.

Modern approaches for the development of marine antifouling coatings

At present, 75–80% of the current operating costs of conventional transport are expended for fuel. According to the International Maritime Organization the world fleet burns 300 million tons of fuel annually, releasing into the atmosphere 960 million tons of СО2and 9 million tons of SO2. By 2020, without new technologies that reduce fuel consumption, air emissions can grow 40%, taking into account constantly increasing volumes of traffic. Therefore, defense methods against marine overgrowth are an urgent topic, and many leading firms are developing antifouling solutions. The paper considers the main means of protection against fouling with the help of polymer coatings, namely: contact active coatings; non-leaching coatings; self-polishing coatings; non-biocidal coatings. The mechanism of using polymer coatings, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, is described.

Inline fouling mitigation during food processing: a sustainable novel solution

Fouling within the food industry has an impact on both capital and operation costs. There is a great demand for cost effective and sustainable antifouling solutions. An increase in internal fouling results in poor thermal efficiency during food processing. This is coupled with poor heat and mass transfer local to the metal surface of designed heat exchangers, pipes and other equipment. Internal fouling could also potentially increase unwanted fluid flow pressure due to restricted flow. [1, 2] It is demonstrated in this work, how fouling is mitigated with ultrasound non-invasively during pilot scale production. When using a plate heat exchanger set-point temperature of 140°C, 128°C and 138°C was achieved without and with an attached ultrasonic transducer respectively. The duration for complete fouling of a tubular heat exchanger increased from 10 to 25 hours with ultrasonic transducers. The presence of ultrasound reduces the carbon footprint owing to substantially reduced fouling.

Antibacterial, electrospun nanofibers of novel poly(sulfobetaine) and poly(sulfabetaine)s.

Polymers capable of forming hydration layers have gained increasing attention due to their ability to form environmentally friendly antifouling surfaces. Zwitterionic polymers are an important class of materials under this category. However, the effectiveness of many zwitterionic polymers for long-term applications is compromised because of their solubility in sea water, poor hydrolytic stability and deteriorating mechanical integrity upon wetting. This study reports on the preparation and characterization of electrospun fibers derived from novel polysulfobetaine and polysulfabetaines (PSBs) composed of polyvinylbenzyl backbones. The morphology of the electrospun nanofibers was elucidated with the help of a scanning electron microscope. Hydration studies were conducted in deionized water and artificial sea water. Antifouling performance of the electrospun nanofibers was evaluated by studying the adhesion and growth of bacteria in natural, and filtered sea water. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP) fingerprinting was performed to determine the nature of the bacterial community attached to the electrospun fibers. Some of the PSBs prevented bacterial growth without showing any biocidal nature. Thus the findings of this study are potentially relevant for current trends seeking environmentally friendly antifouling solutions.

Bienzyme system immobilized in biomimetic silica for application in antifouling coatings

Antifouling coatings are used extensively on vessels and underwater structures. Conventional antifouling coatings contain toxic biocides and heavy metals, which may induce unwanted adverse effects such as toxicity to non-target organisms, imposex in gastropods and increased multiresistance among bacteria. Therefore, enzyme-based coatings could be a new alternative solution. A H2O2-producing bienzyme system was developed in this study. H2O2 can be produced from starch by the cooperation of α-amylase and glucose oxidase, which promotes the hydrolysis of polymeric chain and oxidizes the glucose to produce H2O2, respectively. The encapsulated bienzyme (A-G@BS) exhibits enhanced stabilities of thermal, pH, recycling and tolerance of xylene. The A-G@BS-containing coating releases H2O2 at rates exceeding a target of 36nmol·cm−2·d−1 for 90days in a laboratory assay. The results demonstrate that the method is a promising coating technology for entrapping active enzymes, presenting an interesting avenue for enzyme-based antifouling solutions.