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Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Metal Surfaces for Anti-Icing Applications
Published on: August 15, 2018
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Superhydrophobic Fatty Acid-Based Spray Coatings with Dual-Mode Antifungal Activity
Elena Prudnikov1, Hanan Abu Hamad2, Iryna Polishchuk1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|June 10, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed sprayable superhydrophobic coatings using natural fatty acids. These coatings offer tunable antifungal activity against plant pathogens like Botrytis cinerea, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional fungicides.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Sustainable Engineering
Background:
- Superhydrophobicity, inspired by nature, offers self-cleaning and antibiofouling properties.
- Fungal infections are a growing concern due to climate change and fungicide resistance.
- Sustainable, non-toxic coatings are needed for effective antifungal solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop easy-to-apply, sprayable superhydrophobic coatings with tunable antifungal activity.
- To investigate the impact of incorporating medium-chain fatty acids into stearic acid-based coatings.
- To evaluate the coatings' antifungal efficacy against Botrytis cinerea.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of bimodal superhydrophobic coatings using spray application.
- Incorporation of sorbic or caprylic acid (medium-chain fatty acids) into stearic acid-based coatings.
- Assessment of coating structure, physical properties, stability, and antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea.
Main Results:
- Developed sprayable superhydrophobic coatings with tunable antifungal properties.
- Incorporating medium-chain fatty acids enhanced antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea.
- Coating composition determined the balance between passive antibiofouling and active fungicidal action.
Conclusions:
- Synergistic effects of hierarchical structure and medium-chain fatty acids provide potent antifungal activity.
- These coatings offer a sustainable and effective alternative to conventional antifungal strategies.
- Tunable antifungal coatings represent a promising solution for surface protection against fungal infections.
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