Some possibilities to reduce the biofilm formation on transparent siloxane coatings

Presence of biofilms is a significant problem to a variety of industrial areas, underwater sensors, shipping, etc. Therefore solutions are sought to inhibit biofilm formation and to permit biofilm removal. Surface modification by suitable coating could be one of them. The present study reports the potential of new transparent biocides-free siloxane antifouling coatings, containing low toxic additives, such as TiO2 nanoparticles, surfactants and antioxidants, to reduce biofilm formation in mimicking marine environment, laboratory conditions.As evaluated with several parameters: chlorophyll content, carotenoids content, total protein and total dry mass, the biofilm formation was most sharply reduced by the composition coatings containing non-ionic surfactant, super spreader Y17112, followed by those containing antioxidant, α-tocopherol. Depending on the amount of the super spreader (0.1–1.0 wt.%) and the tested parameter, approximately 3–8-fold reduction was observed in the biofilm formation. It is supposed, that the effect of the studied additives, both surfactant and antioxidant, is due to some inhibition of the adhesive extra cellular substances cross-linking with impact onto the biofilm cohesion strength and its adhesion.

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► Restrictions in the use of biocides stimulate development of ecology friendly approaches to inhibition the biofilm formation.
► This paper reports the ability of low toxic additives to reduce biofilm formation on biocides-free siloxane coatings.
► As such additives are tested TiO2 nanoparticles, some surfactants and antioxidants.
► The reduction effect is evaluated in laboratory conditions by chlorophyll, carotenoids content, total protein and total biofilm mass.
► Superior reduction of about 2–8-fold demonstrates a non-ionic surfactant and a food antioxidant.