Graphene-Based Coating to Mitigate Biofilm Development in Marine Environments

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Sousa-Cardoso, F (Author) Other; Rita Teixeira dos Santos (Author) FEUP; Campos, AF (Author) Other; Lima, M (Author) Other; Luciana Gomes (Author) FEUP; Soares, OSGP (Author) Other; Filipe Mergulhão (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Nanomaterials

Vol. 13

Final page: 381

ISSN: 2079-4991

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus

Associated Projects

Healthy Waters - Healthy Waters - Identification, Elimination, Social Awareness and Education of Water Chemical and Biological Micropollutants with Health and Environmental Implications

ALiCE - ALiCE - Laboratório Associado em Engenharia Química

LEPABE - Financiamento Plurianual 2020-2023 da Unidade de I&D LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

NanoCAT - NanoCAT - Utilização de nanotubos de carbono modificados para combater infecções em catéteres urinários e stents

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00X-YPV

DOI: 10.3390/nano13030381

Abstract (EN): Due to its several economic and ecological consequences, biofouling is a widely recognized concern in the marine sector. The search for non-biocide-release antifouling coatings has been on the rise, with carbon-nanocoated surfaces showing promising activity. This work aimed to study the impact of pristine graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) on biofilm development through the representative marine bacteria Cobetia marina and to investigate the antibacterial mechanisms of action of this material. For this purpose, a flow cytometric analysis was performed and a GNP/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface containing 5 wt% GNP (G5/PDMS) was produced, characterized, and assessed regarding its biofilm mitigation potential over 42 days in controlled hydrodynamic conditions that mimic marine environments. Flow cytometry revealed membrane damage, greater metabolic activity, and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by C. marina when exposed to GNP 5% (w/v) for 24 h. In addition, C. marina biofilms formed on G5/PDMS showed consistently lower cell count and thickness (up to 43% reductions) than PDMS. Biofilm architecture analysis indicated that mature biofilms developed on the graphene-based surface had fewer empty spaces (34% reduction) and reduced biovolume (25% reduction) compared to PDMS. Overall, the GNP-based surface inhibited C. marina biofilm development, showing promising potential as a marine antifouling coating.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 16