Layer-by-Layer-Assembled antifouling films with surface microtopography inspired by Laminaria japonica

Marine biofouling is an important obstacle to the development of marine resources. Problems such as huge economic losses caused by biofouling and environmental damage caused by toxic antifouling agents have not been resolved. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop a novel, environmentally friendly antifouling (AF) materials. However, in the marine environment, Laminaria japonica still has excellent antifouling ability in a relatively static state compared to those parade creatures. Inspired by this, this study reports a synergistic effect between surface topography and chemical modification to inhibit marine biofouling. Firstly, the surface of the Laminaria japonica was analyzed and its morphology was reproduced using a simple moulding process. Additionally, the polyelectrolyte layer composed of sodium alginate and (guanidine-hexamethylenediamine-PEI) (poly(GHPEI)) was chemically modified on the isotropic microstructure surface of PDMS replicas by layer-bylayer assembly method. The anti-adhesion ability of the biomimetic material was tested with Nitzschia closterium (N. closterium) (9 +/- 5 diatoms mm(-2) of N. closterium adhered). Meanwhile, the antifouling performance of the modified films were evaluated by Escherichia coli (E. coli), and its antibacterial ability were as high as 96.2 +/- 1.3%. The combination of microtopography and (GHPEI/ALG) * n films endow the coating with excellent antifouling ability.