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Degradation-Function Coupling in Eugenol-Functionalized PLGA Polyurethanes for Antifouling Interfaces
Chunying Si1,2, Yunbiao Qi1, Haoyi Wang1
1State Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Green Resource Recycling, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
Biomacromolecules
|June 1, 2026
Summary
New biodegradable coatings made from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-based polyurethane (PLGA-PU) with eugenol (EU) side groups offer enhanced marine protection. These coatings degrade effectively, resist biofouling, and show low toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Biodegradable antifouling coatings are crucial for environmentally friendly marine protection.
- Existing polyester systems often lack sufficient interfacial changes and long-term biofouling resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-based polyurethane (PLGA-PU) coatings with covalently tethered eugenol (EU) side groups.
- To investigate the coupling of hydrolytic degradation with interfacial bioactivity for improved antifouling performance and environmental compatibility.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of PLGA-PU-EUx coatings with varying eugenol content.
- Evaluation of coating degradation via mass loss and interfacial evolution (water contact angle, chemical, morphological changes) in seawater.
- Assessment of antifouling efficacy against marine bacteria (Micrococcus luteus) and diatoms (Navicula incerta).
- Analysis of leachate for released eugenol-related species and zebrafish embryo assays for developmental toxicity.
Main Results:
- PLGA-PU-EUx coatings exhibited increased mass loss and reduced water contact angles upon seawater immersion compared to PLA analogues.
- Significant chemical and morphological evolution was observed, correlating with enhanced inhibition of marine bacteria and diatoms.
- Diatom inhibition surpassed 95% at 15 wt% eugenol loading.
- Leachate analysis confirmed minimal release of eugenol-related species, and zebrafish assays indicated no acute developmental toxicity.
Conclusions:
- The developed PLGA-PU-EUx coatings demonstrate a successful strategy for creating durable, environmentally benign antifouling interfaces by coupling degradation with bioactivity.
- This approach offers a promising alternative to conventional antifouling methods, minimizing environmental impact.
- The findings support degradation-function coupling as a viable design principle for advanced marine coatings.
