Use of Nanotechnology to Mitigate Biofouling in Stainless Steel Devices Used in Food Processing, Healthcare, and Marine Environments

Abstract

In humid environments, the formation of biofilms and microfouling are known to be the detrimental processes that first occur on stainless steel surfaces. This is known as biofouling. Subsequently, the conditions created by metabolites and the activity of organisms trigger corrosion of the metal and accelerate corrosion locally, causing a deterioration in, and alterations to, the performance of devices made of stainless steel. The microorganisms which thus affect stainless steel are mainly algae and bacteria. Within the macroorganisms that then damage the steel, mollusks and crustaceans are the most commonly observed. The aim of this review was to identify the mechanisms involved in biofouling on stainless steel and to evaluate the research done on preventing or mitigating this problem using nanotechnology in humid environments in three areas of human activity: food manufacturing, the implantation of medical devices, and infrastructure in marine settings. Of these protective processes that modify the steel surfaces, three approaches were examined: the use of inorganic nanoparticles; the use of polymeric coatings; and, finally, the generation of nanotextures.

Biology and Regulation of Staphylococcal Biofilm

“…Such biofilms are formed in humid or marine environments in water pipes, on ship hulls, and other on stainless steel surfaces where they cause biofouling [ 104 ], which causes enormous costs [ 105 , 106 ]. Typically, such a biofilm consists of a heterogeneous spectrum of micro- and macro-organisms whose cells are embedded in a self-produced matrix and whose metabolic products lead to the corrosion of the metal [ 107 ]. In particular, the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) by microorganisms facilitates adhesion to material surfaces such as metals.…”

“Omics” Techniques Used in Marine Biofouling Studies

“…These co-biocides can be more environmentally damaging than the biocides they augment. A recent twist on using toxic metals is nanomaterials like nano-silver, nano-copper, nano-titania, and nano-zinc [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Nanomaterials generate reactive oxygen species and release toxic metal ions that kill biofouling organisms [ 16 ].…”

Correction: Pérez et al. Use of Nanotechnology to Mitigate Biofouling in Stainless Steel Devices Used in Food Processing, Healthcare, and Marine Environments. Toxics 2022, 10, 35

“…The authors would like to make corrections to their published paper [ 1 ]. The changes are as follows:…”