Zwitterion-Enzymatic Bioresistant Coating

Marine biofouling is a significant problem on ship hulls, increasing fuel consumption and decreasing speed/efficiency. Traditional coatings prevent fouling through controlled release of biocidal compounds (e.g. metals, copper or zinc, or organics, tributyltin). The continuous leaching of these biocides has raised environmental impact concerns. A variety of non-biocidal technologies have been attempted, including foul-release coatings and microtextured coatings. However, these systems have proven unable to address the unique demands on US Navy Ships (i.e. long periods of time in dock and sustained periods of low/minimal speed). Luna Innovations and Zwitter Technology have developed two unique, complementary technologies to meet the Navy's needs: zwitterion resins and stabilized enzymatic antifoulers. Building on successful demonstration of bifouling resistance during the Phase I work, Luna will work with Zwitter Technology during the Phase II to optimize and integrate these technologies, resulting in a unique Zwitterion-Enzymatic Bioresistant Coating. This coating will retain the naturally bioresistant, non-fouling properties of the zwitterion resin while also deterring bio-organism proliferation using stabilized enzymatic antifoulers. A significant focus of the Phase II effort will be transitioning the coatings from small scale laboratory test samples to test samples suitable for long-term open ocean static immersion testing.