Unveiling the Antifouling Performance of Different Marine Surfaces and Their Effect on the Development and Structure of Cyanobacterial Biofilms

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Faria, SI (Author) Other; Teixeira Santos, R (Author) FEUP; Maria João Romeu (Author) FEUP; Morais, J (Author) Other; De Jong, E (Author) Other; Sjollema, J (Author) Other; Vitor Vasconcelos (Author) FCUP; Filipe Mergulhão (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Microorganisms

Vol. 9

Final page: 1102

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 13 Citations

Scopus - 16 Citations

Associated Projects

CVMar+i - Inovação industrial através de colaborações específicas entre empresas e centros de investigação no contexto de valorização biotecnológica marinha

SurfSAFE - Surface modification to increase microbial SAFEty in the food industry

LEPABE - Projeto Estratégico do LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00T-Z19

DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051102

Abstract (EN): Since biofilm formation by microfoulers significantly contributes to the fouling process, it is important to evaluate the performance of marine surfaces to prevent biofilm formation, as well as understand their interactions with microfoulers and how these affect biofilm development and structure. In this study, the long-term performance of five surface materials-glass, perspex, polystyrene, epoxy-coated glass, and a silicone hydrogel coating-in inhibiting biofilm formation by cyanobacteria was evaluated. For this purpose, cyanobacterial biofilms were developed under controlled hydrodynamic conditions typically found in marine environments, and the biofilm cell number, wet weight, chlorophyll a content, and biofilm thickness and structure were assessed after 49 days. In order to obtain more insight into the effect of surface properties on biofilm formation, they were characterized concerning their hydrophobicity and roughness. Results demonstrated that silicone hydrogel surfaces were effective in inhibiting cyanobacterial biofilm formation. In fact, biofilms formed on these surfaces showed a lower number of biofilm cells, chlorophyll a content, biofilm thickness, and percentage and size of biofilm empty spaces compared to remaining surfaces. Additionally, our results demonstrated that the surface properties, together with the features of the fouling microorganisms, have a considerable impact on marine biofouling potential.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 17