Bio-responsive Antifouling Coatings

Marine biofouling is a significant problem on ship hulls resulting in increased fuel consumption, decreased speed/efficiency and also a vector for the transport of non-indigenous species. Whereas many antifouling coatings have been developed to remedy this situation, most of these coatings prevent fouling through the slow and controlled release of toxins such as metals (tin, copper or zinc) or organic biocides. Continual leaching of toxic metals or organic biocides from ship hulls raises concerns about the environmental impact of this approach. There is a clear need to develop a new class of marine coatings that will prevent fouling by a more environmentally responsible mechanism that is also low-maintenance and long-lasting. In this proposed program, Luna Innovations will develop a novel coating system that will remedy biofouling through two different mechanisms, repelling interactions with biofouling organisms and more specifically by attacking the organism"s bioadhesives to prevent attachment and proliferation to marine surfacess. This antifouling coating technology will combine a naturally bioresistant polymeric surface with stabilized molecular moieties that have demonstrated the ability to degrade bioadhesives. This technology will result in a huge cost savings by producing a low-maintenance long service life hull coating that improves fuel efficiency.