Alginate Microparticle Arrays as Self-Polishing Bio-Fouling Release Coatings

Biofouling is a severe problem of any water borne structure. Since the ban of tin-organic compounds and expected bans of other poisonous chemical formulations in the near future, replacement of these compounds are sought. This study investigates antibiofouling properties of micro-and nanostructured alginate layer films. Alginate is a natural product from brown algae and was in this study electro-sprayed and crosslinked with divalent calcium and copper ions to produce homogeneous micro-and nanoparticles. These calcium- and copper-alginate particles were assembled into micro-and nanostructured layer films and the antifouling properties of these low elastic modulus, hydrophilic, biodegradable system were evaluated with the microalgae chlorella. Comparison with pristine glass slides, smooth copper-and calcium alginate bulk films was performed. The comparison shows less biofouling for smooth bulk films compared to micro-nanostructured alginate, while all alginate systems are less bio-fouled on long timescales compared to pristine glass.