BiofoulingPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-24DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2026.2721335
Atul A Gavade, Siu Chun Ho, Devendra Patil, Gangbing Song
{"title":"Antifouling using ultrasonic vibrations with piezoceramic actuators.","authors":"Atul A Gavade, Siu Chun Ho, Devendra Patil, Gangbing Song","doi":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2721335","DOIUrl":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2721335","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biofouling remains a persistent operational challenge for submerged marine infrastructure, particularly subsea instrumentation and control interfaces, where conventional antifouling coatings are ineffective over long service times. This study presents the development and validation of a piezoceramic-actuator-based, low-power ultrasonic antifouling system that inhibits organism attachment without relying on conventional cavitation effects. Six-actuator prototypes operating at 25 kHz were deployed for up to approximately 75 days in shallow marine waters in Galveston, Texas, USA. Continuous excitation at ±400 V peak-to-peak prevented settlement of macrofouling organisms including barnacles, but produced erosion bands on the prototype; numerical modelling confirmed that predicted surface vibration patterns corresponded to the observed bands. A second campaign in Goa, India, showed that intermittent excitation (3 min every 3 h) at ±120 V peak-to-peak achieved comparable antifouling performance while reducing energy consumption by approximately 300-fold relative to the continuous Galveston tests. Across three repeated tank experiments in Goa, algal surface coverage was reduced by 50-60% relative to untreated controls, remaining algae showed suppressed subsequent growth, and no erosion bands developed. These results indicate that low-power ultrasonic surface vibration offers an energy-efficient and environmentally compatible antifouling strategy suitable for long-term subsea applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":8898,"journal":{"name":"Biofouling","volume":" ","pages":"888-902"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148811902","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BiofoulingPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-07-26DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2026.2704976
Lisandra Juvêncio da Silva, Vitória Pessoa de Farias Cabral, Lara Elloyse Almeida Moreira, Daniel Sampaio Rodrigues, Leilson Carvalho de Oliveira, Maria Janielly Castelo Branco Silveira, Elaine Aires de Lima, Dávylla Rênnia Saldanha Pinheiro, Sarah Alves Barbosa, Cecília Rocha da Silva, Lívia Gurgel do Amaral Valente Sá, João Batista de Andrade Neto, Iri Sandro Pampolha Filho, Hélio Vitoriano Nobre Júnior
{"title":"Geraniol disrupts mature MRSA biofilms on venous catheters and shows synergistic activity with oxacillin against planktonic cells.","authors":"Lisandra Juvêncio da Silva, Vitória Pessoa de Farias Cabral, Lara Elloyse Almeida Moreira, Daniel Sampaio Rodrigues, Leilson Carvalho de Oliveira, Maria Janielly Castelo Branco Silveira, Elaine Aires de Lima, Dávylla Rênnia Saldanha Pinheiro, Sarah Alves Barbosa, Cecília Rocha da Silva, Lívia Gurgel do Amaral Valente Sá, João Batista de Andrade Neto, Iri Sandro Pampolha Filho, Hélio Vitoriano Nobre Júnior","doi":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2704976","DOIUrl":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2704976","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Infections caused by methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MRSA), particularly those associated with biofilms on invasive medical devices such as venous catheters, represent a significant public health challenge due to increased antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluated the anti-biofilm potential of geraniol, a natural monoterpene, against MRSA strains. In a catheter-based <i>in vitro model</i>, geraniol substantially inhibited initial biofilm formation and effectively disrupted pre-formed mature MRSA biofilms on catheter surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) corroborated structural damage, revealing a marked reduction in bacterial density and the biofilm matrix. Notably, geraniol exhibited a synergistic interaction with oxacillin against planktonic cells in 53.8% of the tested MRSA strains, suggesting a potential to restore antibiotic efficacy. These findings highlight the promising <i>in vitro</i> activity of geraniol against MRSA biofilms on venous catheters and position it as an attractive candidate for further investigation as an anti-biofilm agent for medical device-related infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":8898,"journal":{"name":"Biofouling","volume":" ","pages":"844-853"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148589450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BiofoulingPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-07-21DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2026.2701808
Azhar Al-Busaidi, Maryam Al-Memari, John A Burt, Sergey Dobretsov
{"title":"Environment influence on antifouling coating efficiency: evidence from the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.","authors":"Azhar Al-Busaidi, Maryam Al-Memari, John A Burt, Sergey Dobretsov","doi":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2701808","DOIUrl":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2701808","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated micro- and macrofouling on panels coated with Hempaguard X7 (X7), Hempasil X3 + 87500, Dynamic 9000, and Globic 9500 M versus uncoated controls over 12 months at two contrasting sites: Muscat (Sea of Oman, MS) and Abu Dhabi (Arabian Gulf, AD). We hypothesized that environmental conditions and coating type influence antifouling performance, shaping microbial community structure and subsequent macrofouling. Panels were sampled at 2, 7, and 12 months to represent early, mid, and late colonization stages. All coatings reduced micro- and macrofouling compared to controls, but effectiveness varied by site and time. AD showed significantly higher microbial densities, fouling cover, and biofouling wet weight than MS. Illumina MiSeq sequencing revealed greater microbial diversity in MS and distinct community compositions between biocidal and non-biocidal coatings. SIMPER analysis identified <i>Nitrosovibrio</i> and <i>Bacillus</i> as key genera driving differences between controls and coatings in MS and AD, respectively. X7 consistently exhibited the lowest levels of both micro- and macrofouling across sites and times. These results indicate that environmental conditions and coating properties jointly determine antifouling success and suggest microbial community structure may drive macrofouling succession. This study provides new insights into optimizing coating selection for specific environmental conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":8898,"journal":{"name":"Biofouling","volume":" ","pages":"807-824"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148547642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BiofoulingPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-07-30DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2026.2708745
Giorgio Silva-Santana, Eduardo José Lopes-Torres, Greice Maria Silva Conceição, Eustáquio Souza Baêta Júnior, Fabio Aguiar-Alves, Ana Luiza Mattos-Guaraldi
{"title":"<i>Corynebacterium striatum</i> modulates the sessile lifestyle of wild-type and Δ<i>srt</i>A mutant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> in multi-species biofilms.","authors":"Giorgio Silva-Santana, Eduardo José Lopes-Torres, Greice Maria Silva Conceição, Eustáquio Souza Baêta Júnior, Fabio Aguiar-Alves, Ana Luiza Mattos-Guaraldi","doi":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2708745","DOIUrl":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2708745","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Corynebacterium striatum</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> are opportunistic pathogens that share ecological niches and are frequently co-isolated in healthcare-associated infections. They commonly exist as sessile populations organized within multi-species biofilms associated with medical devices. Sortase A (SrtA) plays a critical role in anchoring surface proteins in <i>S. aureus</i>, thereby influencing adhesion, colonization, and biofilm formation. This study evaluated the influence of <i>C. striatum</i> on the formation and stability of biofilms produced by wild-type and isogenic Δ<i>srt</i>A mutant <i>S. aureus</i> on hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. Five strains of <i>C. striatum</i> (Cs1-Cs5) and three of <i>S. aureus</i> (Sa1-Sa3) were characterized by biochemical testing, MALDI-TOF MS, antimicrobial susceptibility profiling, and detection of the <i>mec</i>A and <i>srt</i>A genes. The polymeric matrix was assessed on Congo red agar and by staining with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 and safranin. Single- and multi-species biofilms were quantified by colony-forming units at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h, and their architecture was examined using scanning electron microscopy. All strains formed biofilms, including those exhibiting multidrug-resistant phenotypes. In mono-culture, the Δ<i>srt</i>A mutant of <i>S. aureus</i> displayed reduced adhesion and absence of a detectable polymeric matrix. In co-culture, <i>C. striatum</i> exhibited a progressive competitive advantage, predominating in multi-species biofilms at 48 h. Purified supernatants from <i>C. striatum</i> induced a sessile-to-planktonic transition in <i>S. aureus</i>, reducing adherent populations by up to 5.02 log<sub>10</sub>, with the Δ<i>srt</i>A mutant being the most susceptible. These findings suggest that extracellular products derived from <i>C. striatum</i> may contribute to modulation of biofilm stability and sessile behavior, particularly under conditions involving the absence of SrtA-mediated anchoring in <i>S. aureus</i>. The results highlight complex ecological interactions and suggest potential therapeutic strategies based on biofilm interference.</p>","PeriodicalId":8898,"journal":{"name":"Biofouling","volume":" ","pages":"854-887"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148618294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BiofoulingPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-07-23DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2026.2703178
Mohammad Hadi Masoomi, Matia Sadat Borhani, Mahmood Salehi, Sohrab Boozarpour, Meisam Habibi
{"title":"Anti-biofilm activity of essential oils from <i>Salvia abrotanoides</i> leaves and flowers against extensively drug-resistant and multidrug-resistant <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>.","authors":"Mohammad Hadi Masoomi, Matia Sadat Borhani, Mahmood Salehi, Sohrab Boozarpour, Meisam Habibi","doi":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2703178","DOIUrl":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2703178","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> is a formidable nosocomial pathogen whose biofilm production is a key contributor to its multidrug resistance. This study reveals the significant antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of <i>Salvia abrotanoides</i> essential oils (EOs) against MDR and XDR <i>A. baumannii</i>. GC-MS analysis identified 19 novel compounds within the leaf (L-EO) and flower (F-EO) extracts. F-EO exhibited greater potency, inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm formation at 1.75 mg/mL and 0.9 mg/mL, respectively. At sub-inhibitory concentrations, both EOs caused substantial downregulation (>84%) of the critical biofilm genes <i>bap</i> and <i>csuD</i>, which was visually confirmed by SEM. Cytotoxicity assays on A549 cells showed IC50 values of 1.6 mg/mL (L-EO) and 2.3 mg/mL (F-EO). These findings position <i>S. abrotanoides</i> EOs as a promising therapeutic strategy to combat resilient, biofilm-mediated infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":8898,"journal":{"name":"Biofouling","volume":" ","pages":"825-843"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148577056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BiofoulingPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-17DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2026.2715441
Josefa Núñez-Belmar, Julio Leyrer, Víctor Beltrán, Eduardo Borie, Francisco Fernández-Gil
{"title":"Beyond bactericidal surfaces: interfacial selectivity as a design principle for implant biomaterials.","authors":"Josefa Núñez-Belmar, Julio Leyrer, Víctor Beltrán, Eduardo Borie, Francisco Fernández-Gil","doi":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2715441","DOIUrl":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2715441","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Within seconds of placement, an adsorbed conditioning film replaces the implant's manufactured substrate and becomes the true interface host cells and microorganisms encounter. Conventional strategies engineered to kill or suppress bacteria therefore act on an interface neither party meets, helping explain the inconsistent clinical performance of broadly bactericidal designs. We propose interfacial selectivity, the capacity of a surface to favor beneficial over detrimental interactions, as a unifying design framework for implant biomaterials, and show how interfacial physicochemistry can be programmed to discriminate between colonizers. The implant boundary is viewed as three coupled interfaces: implant-film, film-microbiome, and film-host. Shared drivers, surface energy, charge, hydration, and multiscale topography, govern all three, so modifications intended to deter pathogens also influence commensal colonization, soft-tissue sealing, and osteoimmune balance. A regime map of interfacial forces reinterprets functionalization strategies within a common selectivity space, and a proposed selectivity index, applied here to published data for three archetypal surfaces, reorients evaluation from short-term killing toward the balance between host-beneficial and pathogen-beneficial outcomes. We derive transferable design principles, propose a minimum reporting standard, identify methodological gaps limiting translation, and argue that genomic and multi-omic calibration could enable patient-specific implementation across dental, percutaneous, and orthopedic implants.</p>","PeriodicalId":8898,"journal":{"name":"Biofouling","volume":" ","pages":"786-806"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148763910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Antibiofilm effects of poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) coating via inhibition of protein adsorption on catheter surfaces.","authors":"Shuji Kariya, Yasuyuki Ono, Miyuki Nakatani, Takuji Maruyama, Yuki Tanaka, Kanji Sugiura, Noboru Tanigawa","doi":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2697908","DOIUrl":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2697908","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are driven by biofilm formation on catheter surfaces. Poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) is a blood-compatible polymer that suppresses protein adsorption and may inhibit bacterial attachment through a non-bactericidal anti-adhesive mechanism. This study evaluated the antibiofilm effect of PMEA coating using a blood-based <i>in vitro</i> model.A blood-based <i>in vitro</i> model was established using bovine blood to better reproduce the protein-rich intravascular environment associated with CRBSIs. Polyurethane catheter segments with or without PMEA coating were incubated for 7 days in bovine serum containing Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 or Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984, with or without prior plasma exposure. Biofilm biomass was quantified by toluidine blue staining and spectrophotometric measurement of absorbance at 632 nm.PMEA coating significantly suppressed biofilm formation, corresponding to an approximately 92% reduction compared with uncoated catheters. Plasma exposure markedly enhanced biofilm formation, producing an approximately 23-fold increase relative to non-exposed conditions. PMEA coating did not affect planktonic bacterial growth, supporting a non-bactericidal mechanism of action.These findings suggest that PMEA suppresses catheter-associated biofilm formation by inhibiting plasma protein adsorption and subsequent bacterial attachment. Modulation of host protein-surface interactions may represent an effective strategy for preventing CRBSIs without relying on bactericidal activity.</p>","PeriodicalId":8898,"journal":{"name":"Biofouling","volume":" ","pages":"730-741"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148403508","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BiofoulingPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-07-16DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2026.2698818
Umut Yılmaz, Özlem Erkoç Güleryüz, Mehmet Ünlü, Gülhan Vardar Ünlü
{"title":"Murepavadin is a novel peptide antibiotic that exhibits potent antibiofilm activity and enhances the efficacy of conventional antibiotics against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>.","authors":"Umut Yılmaz, Özlem Erkoç Güleryüz, Mehmet Ünlü, Gülhan Vardar Ünlü","doi":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2698818","DOIUrl":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2698818","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multidrug-resistant (MDR) <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> infections are difficult to treat due to biofilm formation. This study evaluates the antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy of murepavadin (MUR), a novel peptidomimetic targeting the LptD protein, alone and combined with conventional antibiotics against clinical isolates. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 50 isolates against MUR and five antibiotics were determined. Synergy in planktonic cultures was assessed by checkerboard assays. For biofilm, the Bliss independence model was applied using MBIC (minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration) and the concentration yielding ≥90% biomass reduction, as measured by crystal violet (CV) staining. MUR showed potent activity against planktonic cells (MIC<sub>50</sub>/<sub>90</sub>: 0.25/0.5 mg l<sup>-1</sup>). Synergy tests revealed consistent MUR-colistin synergy across all strains, with notable interactions against carbapenemase-producers when combined with meropenem. In biofilms, MUR demonstrated significantly lower MBIC and lower concentrations required for ≥90% biomass reduction (CV staining). Bliss analysis confirmed strong synergistic biofilm inhibition in all combinations, most pronounced with tobramycin. MUR exhibits high efficacy against both planktonic and biofilm-forming MDR <i>P. aeruginosa</i>. Its synergy with colistin and tobramycin highlights its potential as a strategic combination partner.</p>","PeriodicalId":8898,"journal":{"name":"Biofouling","volume":" ","pages":"771-781"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148454360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BiofoulingPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-06-29DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2026.2695846
Xue Wang, Chengxi Li
{"title":"Antifungal activity of chrysin against <i>Candida albicans</i> biofilms In <i>vitro</i> and In <i>vivo</i>.","authors":"Xue Wang, Chengxi Li","doi":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2695846","DOIUrl":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2695846","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Candida albicans</i> (<i>C. albicans</i>) biofilms exhibit markedly enhanced tolerance to conventional antifungal agents, necessitating the identification of novel therapeutic alternatives. Chrysin, a naturally occurring flavonoid distributed in propolis and <i>Passiflora</i> species, possesses well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its activity against <i>C. albicans</i> biofilms remains uncharacterized. This study comprehensively evaluated the antibiofilm efficacy of chrysin <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i>. The sessile minimum inhibitory concentration causing 50% inhibition (SMIC<sub>50</sub>) of chrysin against <i>C. albicans</i> SC5314 was 128 μg/mL. Chrysin suppressed biofilm metabolic activity, reduced biomass, and decreased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner, as demonstrated by XTT reduction assay, crystal violet staining, and live/dead fluorescence staining. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed progressive dismantling of hyphal networks and disruption of biofilm architecture. Chrysin significantly elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and induced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) depolarization in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that oxidative stress induction is a key antifungal mechanism. In a murine oral candidiasis model, chrysin reduced fungal burden and tongue lesion scores in a concentration-dependent manner, with the 256 μg/mL group achieving outcomes comparable to fluconazole. Chrysin also attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), while increasing interleukin-10 (IL-10). Biosafety assessment demonstrated cell viability above 80% in human oral keratinocytes (HOK) and above 85% in mouse fibroblasts (L929) at concentrations up to 512 μg/mL, with no observable organ toxicity <i>in vivo</i>. Collectively, these findings establish chrysin as a potent, mechanistically defined, and safe natural antifungal candidate with promising translational potential for the management of <i>C. albicans</i> biofilm-associated infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":8898,"journal":{"name":"Biofouling","volume":" ","pages":"699-712"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148343827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BiofoulingPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-07-10DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2026.2697906
Mads Olsen, Søren Kiil, Kim Dam-Johansen
{"title":"Biofouling propagation and its impact on non-biocidal antifouling coating performance evaluation under static and dynamic conditions.","authors":"Mads Olsen, Søren Kiil, Kim Dam-Johansen","doi":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2697906","DOIUrl":"10.1080/08927014.2026.2697906","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biofouling significantly degrades vessel performance by increasing fuel consumption, harmful emissions (SO2, NOx, CO2), and maintenance costs, underscoring the role of effective fouling control coatings. However, the accuracy of antifouling coating performance assessments may be compromised by local fouling dynamics, particularly the influence of adjacent biofouled surfaces. This study investigates how proximity to pre-fouled panels coated with an epoxy primer affects biofouling settlement and growth on newly immersed coatings under both static and dynamic exposure conditions. Panels placed adjacent to heavily fouled surfaces exhibited accelerated colonization, with fouling coverage nearly doubling within three weeks compared to isolated controls. In static exposures, proximity led to the bypassing of early biofilm stages through lateral propagation <i>via</i> spores, sloughed fragments, and biofilm material. Under dynamic conditions, hydrodynamic forces amplified this effect, promoting faster dispersal and settlement, particularly of filamentous green and brown algae. These findings reveal that local propagation can significantly alter biofouling succession and growth rates, resulting in earlier community development and increased fouling intensity. Without careful spatial separation and test design, localized fouling pressure may be artificially elevated, leading to skewed interpretations of antifouling performance. Conversely, controlled propagation may serve as a tool for accelerated stress testing under high-biofouling conditions. This study emphasizes the need to account for biofouling propagation in experimental design to ensure reliable, reproducible antifouling evaluations.</p>","PeriodicalId":8898,"journal":{"name":"Biofouling","volume":" ","pages":"713-729"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148418168","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}