Advances in biofouling mitigation: A review

ABSTRACT

The attachment of microbial biomass on solid surfaces is a universal phenomenon that occurs in natural and engineering systems and is responsible for various types of biofouling. Biological fouling, also referred to as biofouling, remains one of the most critical problems toward the durable application of materials. The eradication of this problem using sustainable and environmentally friendly techniques is still of critical importance and is therefore receiving significant interest from researchers worldwide. The authors start with a definition of processes that lead to biofouling and their relevance to various industrial applications. The most relevant findings from past research are presented and particular emphasis is focused on present research, where recent developments in surface modification receive specific attention.

KEYWORDS:

• Biofouling
• mitigation
• hydrophobicity
• antimicrobial

Funding

The authors acknowledge the support through the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa. They also acknowledge the support from Stellenbosch University as well as funding through the Research Career Advancement initiative of the NRF.