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Nature-Inspired Peptide Antifouling Biocide: Coating Compatibility, Field Validation, and Environmental Stability
Patrick Cahill1, Thomas M Grant2, David Rennison2
1Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street East, Nelson 7010, New Zealand.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|June 5, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed eco-friendly antifouling biocides using 2,5-diketopiperazine (2,5-DKP). The lead compound showed reduced biofouling for 11 weeks in ocean tests, with biodegradation half-lives of 13-16 days.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Materials Science
- Environmental Chemistry
Background:
- Biofouling poses significant challenges to marine structures and operations.
- Current antifouling solutions often involve toxic compounds with environmental concerns.
- Development of sustainable and effective antifouling agents is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel class of eco-friendly antifouling biocides based on the 2,5-diketopiperazine (2,5-DKP) scaffold.
- To assess the performance, leaching characteristics, and biodegradation of a lead 2,5-DKP compound in marine environments.
- To inform the future development of commercial antifouling products.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of the lead compound cyclo(N-Bip-l-Arg-N-Bip-l-Arg) (1) in gram amounts.
- Evaluation of leaching rates from an ablation/hydration coating using a rotating drum method under dynamic and static conditions.
- Analysis of compound localization using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS).
- Assessment of antifouling efficacy through ocean deployment of coated surfaces.
- Determination of biodegradation rates in seawater using theoretical oxygen demand and analytical quantification.
Main Results:
- The lead compound (1) exhibited stable and predictable leaching rates under dynamic shear stress (36.1 ± 19.7 to 25.2 ± 9.1 ng-1 cm-2 day-1) but minimal leaching under static conditions.
- ToF-SIMS analysis indicated that compound 1 localized at the coating surface in a surfactant-like manner.
- Ocean deployments showed significant reductions in biofouling for up to 11 weeks.
- Biodegradation half-lives for compound 1 in seawater were calculated to be between 13.4 and 16.2 days.
- Masking effects were observed at higher concentrations due to antimicrobial properties.
Conclusions:
- The developed 2,5-DKP-based compounds represent a promising class of eco-friendly antifouling biocides.
- The study provides valuable data on leaching kinetics, surface localization, and biodegradation, crucial for product development.
- The findings support the rational design of next-generation antifouling coatings with improved environmental profiles.
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