Biomimetic gaseous plastron for blocking fouling-associated biological colonization

Abstract

Surface micro-/nanostructures and wettability play important roles in gaseous plastron stability. Inspired by the structure and function of Salvinia and lotus leaf, the microstructure-silicon dioxide-graphene-silicone rubber (MS-SiO₂-GN-SR) composites with bubble trapping ability were synthesized. MS-SiO₂-GN-SR can rapidly adsorb a large number of air bubbles under water to form a large gaseous plastron, which can be used as an antifouling barrier to prevent microbial invasion. MS-SiO₂-GN-SR has a strong bubble adsorption function due to its superhydrophobicity and surface roughness. Under dynamic conditions, compared with GN-SR, the adhesion of Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and marine algae attachment on the surface of MS-SiO₂-GN-SR decreased by 50.51 %, 63.89 %, and 60.8 %, respectively. After 48 h incubation, MS-SiO₂-GN-SR still maintained the best antifouling performance. These results suggest that physical antifouling strategies based on macroscopic gaseous plastron are promising for the marine industry and maritime transport.