Antibiofouling biomaterials

Antifouling refers to the process of control of fouling which occurs on liquid-solid surfaces. The term ‘fouling’ indicates an undesirable natural succession process during biofilm formation, in which a submerged surface or membranes becomes encrusted with material from the surrounding environment. It mainly involves microorganisms and their by-products developed on the surface by conditioning, attachment, biofilm formation followed by colonization. The accumulation of micro and macrofoulers on immersed structures results in economic as well as environmental losses. It is one of the major vulnerable problems currently disturbing many ecological niches as well as in shipping and other industrial aquatic processes. The existence of natural antifouling agents or biomaterials provides sustainable eco-friendly control and hence remains a challenge for future researchers. The use of biological tools for control of fouling is gaining importance day by day.