Parasites as metal corrosion inhibitors, new achievements

Abstract

Green inhibitors for metal corrosion were mostly known as plant extracts but in the series of studies, parasites had some active biomaterials that inhibited metal corrosion. The extracts of different parasites (tick (Hyalomma), fly larva (Oestrus), and leech (Hirudo) were used in acidic media for metal corrosion inhibition. Total proteins of Hyalomma and Hirudo were also extracted and used for the investigation of protein role in metal corrosion inhibition. In extract examinations, parasites can be candidates for green inhibition of metal corrosion. During the experiment processes, the collagen of Hirudo was dissolved and the chitin of arthropods was also dissolved to chitosan and coated the metal surfaces. In the extracted proteins examinations, the corrosion inhibition of Hirudo was much better than Hyalomma. According to different research, arthropods (as chitin-rich) and leech (as collagen-rich) parasites could inhibit metal corrosion in acidic media, suggesting a bridge between parasitology and engineering.