Experimental Assessment of a Conducting Polymer (PEDOT) and Microbial Biofilms as Deterrents and Facilitators of Macro-Biofouling: Larval Settlement of the Barnacle Notobalanus flosculus (Darwin, 1854) from Central Chile

Abstract

Maritime enterprises have long sought solutions to reduce the negative consequences of the settlement and growth of marine biofouling (micro- and macro-organisms) on virtually all surfaces and materials deployed at sea. The development of biofouling control strategies requires solutions that are cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Polymer-based coatings, such as the poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and its potential applications, have blossomed over the last decade thanks to their low cost, nontoxicity, and high versatility. Here, using multiple-choice larval settlement experiments, we assessed the efficacy of PEDOT against the balanoid barnacle Notobalanus flosculus one of the most common biofouling species in Southeastern Pacific shores, and compared results against a commercially available antifouling (AF) coating, and biofilms at different stages of succession (1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks). We show that larval settlement on PEDOT-coated surfaces was similar to the settlement on AF-coated surfaces, while larvae settled abundantly on roughened acrylic and on early-to-intermediate stages of biofilm (one to four weeks old). These results are promising and suggest that PEDOT is a good candidate for fouling-resistant coating for specific applications at sea. Further studies to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of barnacle larval deterrence, as well as exposure to field conditions, are encouraged.

Assessing Efficacy of “Eco-Friendly” and Traditional Copper-Based Antifouling Materials in a Highly Wave-Exposed Environment

“…Previous studies showed that the OJ33 AF coating prevents any colonization by macrofoulers for more than 7 months under high energy environmental conditions [32]. The CDP AF coating serves as a non-settlement control for multiple-choice larval settlement experiments [65]. However, the present study is the first report for AF21 coating, a paint brand widely used in Chile and throughout the world.…”

At the Interface of Marine Disciplines: Use of Autonomous Seafloor Equipment for Studies of Biofouling Below the Shallow-Water Zone

“…After analyzing the fauna on the recovered test plates, we concluded that our experimental design could be improved by roughening the plexiglass test plates. Surface roughness increases suitability for settlement of rugophilic fouling organisms (those that thrive on rough surfaces or in surface cavities; e.g., Wisely, 1959;Köhler et al, 1999;Baldanzi et al, 2021).…”

Larval Settlement on Marine Surfaces: The Role of Physico-Chemical Interactions

“…Agenda for Sustainable Development set for 2030. Baldanzi et al (2021) [11] report the potential application of a non-toxic, inexpensive surface as an eco-friendly antifouling system that is less harmful than paint. It is composed of a conducting polymer, namely, poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT), which exhibits significant potential for deterring the settlement of barnacle cypris larvae (similar to that of trade antifouling paints).…”