Antifouling Performance of Carbon-Based Coatings for Marine Applications: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Although carbon materials are widely used in surface engineering, particularly graphene (GP) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the application of these nanocomposites for the development of antibiofilm marine surfaces is still poorly documented. The aim of this study was, thus, to gather and discuss the relevant literature concerning the antifouling performance of carbon-based coatings against marine micro- and macrofoulers. For this purpose, a PRISMA-oriented systematic review was conducted based on predefined criteria, which resulted in the selection of thirty studies for a qualitative synthesis. In addition, the retrieved publications were subjected to a quality assessment process based on an adapted Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) scale. In general, this review demonstrated the promising antifouling performance of these carbon nanomaterials in marine environments. Further, results from the revised studies suggested that functionalized GP- and CNTs-based marine coatings exhibited improved antifouling performance compared to these materials in pristine forms. Thanks to their high self-cleaning and enhanced antimicrobial properties, as well as durability, these functionalized composites showed outstanding results in protecting submerged surfaces from the settlement of fouling organisms in marine settings. Overall, these findings can pave the way for the development of new carbon-engineered surfaces capable of preventing marine biofouling.

The Use of 3D Optical Coherence Tomography to Analyze the Architecture of Cyanobacterial Biofilms Formed on a Carbon Nanotube Composite

“…Few studies focus on longer assays for the assessment of CNTs on marine biofilm formation [ 65 ]. In fact, some in vitro studies have been performed between 6 [ 66 ] and 10 days [ 4 ], but only a study performed by Xie et al [ 67 ] achieved the 20 days necessary to evaluate the antifouling effect of CNT-based antifouling coatings.…”

Graphene-Based Coating to Mitigate Biofilm Development in Marine Environments

“…All in all, this work demonstrates the antibiofilm potential of GNP/PDMS surfaces against C. marina biofilm development. The results obtained are promising, especially considering that the incorporation of pristine graphene into polymeric marine antifouling coatings is poorly documented [ 30 ]. Furthermore, the cytometric assessment of the effects of GNP on C. marina cells can contribute to a better understanding of graphene’s antibacterial mechanisms of action.…”

“…In fact, the incorporation of nanomaterials into marine antifouling paints has been reported to greatly impact a surface’s charge potential, hydrophobicity, and topography, as well as its antibacterial and anticorrosion properties [ 28 , 29 ]. Among these emerging nanoengineered antifouling paints, those containing carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene, have shown promising results [ 30 , 31 , 32 ].…”

Nanotechnology in the COVID-19 era: Carbon-based nanomaterials as a promising solution

“…Conversely approved nanomaterial-based disinfectants contain silver and/or copper nanoparticles formulations and titanium and silver zeolite nanomaterials [ 153 ]. Concerning large surfaces such as walls and floors, data on graphene nanoparticles and CNT antifouling properties as paint components might be used for the analysis of performance against viruses [ 154 ].…”