Development of Antifouling Strategies for Marine Applications

Abstract

Marine biofouling is an undeniable challenge for aquatic systems since it is responsible for several environmental and ecological problems and economic losses. Several strategies have been developed to mitigate fouling-related issues in marine environments, including developing marine coatings using nanotechnology and biomimetic models, and incorporating natural compounds, peptides, bacteriophages, or specific enzymes on surfaces. The advantages and limitations of these strategies are discussed in this review, and the development of novel surfaces and coatings is highlighted. The performance of these novel antibiofilm coatings is currently tested by in vitro experiments, which should try to mimic real conditions in the best way, and/or by in situ tests through the immersion of surfaces in marine environments. Both forms present their advantages and limitations, and these factors should be considered when the performance of a novel marine coating requires evaluation and validation. Despite all the advances and improvements against marine biofouling, progress toward an ideal operational strategy has been slow given the increasingly demanding regulatory requirements. Recent developments in self-polishing copolymers and fouling-release coatings have yielded promising results which set the basis for the development of more efficient and eco-friendly antifouling strategies.

Sustainable Coating Based on Zwitterionic Functionalized Polyurushiol with Antifouling and Antibacterial Properties

“…The attachment and growth of microorganisms, algae, barnacles, and other aquatic organisms on the surfaces of ships, marine facilities, or other underwater structures in the marine environment is referred to as marine biofouling [1,2]. A globally recognized issue, biofouling leads to surface contamination of vessels and underwater equipment, increased hydrodynamic resistance, corrosion of underwater structures, threats to safe operations, economic losses, and environmental concerns [3]. These challenges significantly impede the development and utilization of marine resources worldwide.…”

Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on Cyanobacterial Biofilms

“…Marine biofouling remains a global concern. Numerous approaches have been used to prevent, delay, and control the formation of marine biofilms and the establishment of fouling communities, including the development of antifouling coatings, the use of cleaning technologies and disinfection procedures, and the application of additional methodologies, such as hydrodynamic/acoustic cavitation and thermal stress [ 1 ]. The availability of disinfection treatments to mitigate the effects of marine biofouling is an important requirement for effectively managing marine biosecurity risks, as well as alleviating the consequences of biofouling, including the impact of contamination and/or corrosion, economic costs, and ecological consequences [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

“…Since marine biofouling includes the initial formation of biofilms by marine bacteria and diatoms (microfouling), followed by the establishment of larger fouling communities on submerged devices and equipment (macrofouling), a promising approach for biofouling mitigation is to manage macrofouling by delaying microfouling events [ 1 ]. Since cyanobacteria are responsible for starting biofilm formation on submerged surfaces, constitute the major components of marine biofilms [ 25 , 26 , 27 ], and excrete large amounts of EPS [ 28 , 29 ], which are relevant for biofilm cohesion, stability, and structure [ 30 ], these microorganisms may determine the function and arrangement of biofilms [ 31 , 32 ].…”

Preparation and Study of Antifouling and Fouling-Release Surface Materials from Copolymers with Anchoring Functional Groups

“…Surface chemical modification is one of the key approaches for endowing marine vessels with antifouling properties. Many materials with universal antifouling functions have been screened out [10][11][12][13][14]. Antifouling surfaces prepared via grafting polymers from initiators or grafting polymers with functional groups have been reported [8,10,[15][16][17].…”

“…Researchers have found that hydrophilic polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol) and zwitterionic polymers have significant antifouling properties [20][21][22][23]. Copolymers were also regularly reported for antifouling applications [14,24]. Liu et al reported the synthesis of zwitterionic-phosphonic copolymers for the efficient antifouling surface settlement of diverse biomedical metals [25].…”