Antimicrobial Surfaces

Abstract

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.

A nanoporous, ultrahydrophobic aluminum-coating process with exceptional dropwise condensation and shedding properties

“…Moreover, the absence of a water film on cooling surfaces would result in less impedance to air flow in parallel-plate heat exchanger configurations [5], [18], which are ubiquitous. Thirdly, eliminating stagnant water would reduce the risk of fungal or bacterial growth inside a heat exchanger [19], and retard metal corrosion [5].…”