Biofouling, the attachment of biological material onto surfaces, is a pervasive and costly problem affecting marine equipment, membrane‐based systems, medical devices, textiles, food packing, and other systems and devices. The attachment of biological material to surfaces is often attributed to an initial microbial settling and the subsequent formation of a microbial biofilm on a surface. Antimicrobial agents have been used to prevent or reduce biofilm formation and are effective if their concentration is sufficiently high; however, biocides are toxic substances that affect the surrounding environment. This article provides an overview of the most important antimicrobial agents, technologies, and recent developments aimed at preventing biofouling. It focuses on antimicrobial surfaces and their current and prospective use, proposed mechanisms of action, and applications.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.