Aronia mitschurinii Encapsulated into a Biocompatible Polymer as an Effective Solution for Antifouling Protection

Since the 15th century, scientists have been working to address biofouling, the accumulation of biofilm on submerged surfaces, like ships and buoys. Key stages in this process include bacterial precipitation and radical polymerization of bacteria's metabolites. Along with corrosion and extended fuel consumption by ships, biofilm also contributes to ecological changes by spreading invasive bacterial species across the world when segments of biofilm are detached from moving ships. Historically, effective antifouling solutions have been toxic to marine ecosystems and are now banned in many regions, including the US. While recently developed highly hydrophobic polymers have promise, they are currently expensive and challenging for technology transfer.As an alternative solution, nontoxic formulations have been studied for antifouling coatings that utilize organic renewable superfruits, medicinal herbs, and nonbiofilm-forming algae rich in antioxidants and/or essential oils and terpenes, combined with biocompatible polymers. It is hypothesized that antibacterial essential oils and terpenes would prevent precipitation and growth of bacteria on the protected surfaces, while antioxidants, which are natural free radical scavengers, would significantly slow down polymerization processes in the biofilms. This study focuses on formulations created with extracts of A. mitshurinii, known for its high antioxidant concentrations. Current short-term results indicate that A. mitschurnii serves as an effective antifouling agent in both freshwater and saltwater, but with a higher performance in freshwater environments. The influence of bacteria and phytochemical concentrations will be discussed, along with the current antifouling methodology and postsurface analysis.