Antifouling Coatings Inspired by Biological Templates

Abstract

Surface fouling is a major concern in health care, marine industry, and water purification plants. Polymeric coatings are traditionally utilized to reduce the attachment of foulants on a surface, however low density and thickness of polymer brushes formed by surface initiated polymerization methods, surface exhaustion by continuous exposure to the foulants, and mechanical vulnerability in harsh environments, limit the antifouling performance of these traditional coatings. Recent trends in bioinspired polymeric coatings combine antifouling properties of super-hydrophobic, and highly hydrated lubricating polymers with mechanical properties of micro- and nano-particles to yield contact active, foulant releasable and stimuli responsive materials with superior antifouling performance. This review specifically highlights the development of next generation bioactive antifouling coatings using nature as an inspiration and a discussion of their benefits, over traditional polymeric coatings. The bioinspired coatings obtained are further evaluated for their potential applications in the marine environment, as delivery carriers, in implants, biosensors, and in urinary catheters.