| Project Detail |
A new bioactive nanohybrid agent for anti-biofouling strategies
Surface biofouling presents a significant global challenge, affecting maritime operations, water management, and food/beverage systems. The primary issue arises from the accumulation of microorganisms on water-contact surfaces, leading to the formation of biofilms. These biofilms can harbour disease-causing pathogens and contribute to Microbially Influenced Corrosion (MIC). Current anti-biofouling strategies, which often rely on toxic agents, fail to effectively prevent biofilm formation. Supported by Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the BioNanoAct project aims to develop a novel bioactive nanohybrid agent. This will involve synthesising metal nanoparticles within enzyme-grafted bio-graphene matrices. These nanohybrids will then be used to produce nanocomposite coatings with long-lasting antifouling and anti-MIC properties. Additionally, the project seeks to foster collaboration between researchers and industry professionals to advance biofouling mitigation strategies.
Biofouling on surfaces is one of the most pressing global threats, exacerbated by the world growing population and subsequent industrial activities, as well as climate change. It affects all societal infrastructures, including maritime operations, water management and food/beverage systems. The main problem underlying all these infrastructures is the colonisation of microorganisms on water-contact surfaces, forming biofilms. Biofilms can harbour microbial populations of disease-causing pathogens, which are associated with waterborne disease outbreaks that occur every year worldwide, and their disinfection is currently a critical and challenging process. Biofilms are also associated with Microbially Influenced Corrosion (MIC), which is estimated to affect up to 20% of corrosion in water management systems, costing billions of dollars only for rehabilitation. Hitherto, the most effective anti-biofouling strategies rely on the release of toxic and persistent bioactive agents, remaining ineffective to prevent biofilm formation on surfaces under the current demand and environmental guidelines. Under BioNanoAct, a new bioactive bio-nanohybrid agent generated by the in-situ synthesis of metal nanoparticles in enzyme-grafted bio-graphene matrices will be developed and immobilised in polymeric formulations to produce novel nanocomposite coatings with long-lasting anti-fouling and anti-MIC protective effects on surfaces. These multifunctional bio-based nanomaterials will overcome current limitations in biofouling mitigation and enable scientific breakthroughs, particularly in synthesis and grafting methodologies, as well as in the interaction between biofilm-smart material and engineered waterborne systems. This project will also bring together researchers and industry professionals working on state-of-the-art strategies for biofouling mitigation and MIC that will provide interdisciplinary training and a solid platform for knowledge transfer to the MSCA researcher. |
