Nanotechnology-Based Solutions for Antibiofouling Applications: An Overview

Abstract

Biofouling is a serious concern and can cause health risks and financial burdens in many settings such as maritime structures, medical devices, and water treatment plants. Many technologies employing toxic biocides, antifouling toxic coatings, and chlorine have been established to prevent or impede biofouling. However, their applications are limited due to environmental and health concerns regarding biocides and coating materials. To overcome this, novel antifouling coatings employing ecofriendly, nontoxic nanomaterials and appreciable antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties have been developed. Due to intrinsic antimicrobial properties, these antifouling nanocoatings have been proven to be effective against several water-borne microorganisms. Various nanostructures of metals (silver, copper, and gold), metal oxides (zinc oxide, titanium oxide, copper oxide, and cerium oxide), carbon (graphene and carbon nanotubes), and metal nanocomposites inhibit the biocorrosion and biofilm formation caused by bacteria. Besides, antifouling technology developed based on nanocontainers releases key active substances that promote selfcleaning, anticorrosion, and antibiofilm properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of nanotechnology-enabled antifouling agents developed to combat micro-and macrofouling phenomena. Moreover, the recent progress in the applications of antifouling coatings in industrial sectors such as marine (ships), water-treatment plants, and medical devices is elaborated with relevant examples. The mechanistic insights into the inhibitory action of bacterial cell growth and biofilm formation by antifouling nanocoatings are presented. The challenges associated with developing antifouling nanoproducts, their practical limitations, and prospects are also discussed.

Biofilm Inhibition on Medical Devices and Implants Using Carbon Dots: An Updated Review

“…The need to develop a substrate capable of combating biofilm growth and its reoccurrence has led scientists to investigate the efficiency of nanomaterials. Titanium-, gold-, silver-, and copper-based nanoparticles have been widely analyzed for antibacterial and antibiofilm effectiveness . These metal-oxide nanoparticles enter the cell mostly via electrostatic attraction, accumulate, and lead to ROS generation causing cell membrane disruption, protein photo-oxidation, and inhibition of enzyme activity and generating superoxide radicals. − Though metal nanoparticles of gold, silver, titanium oxide, and zinc oxide have shown good antimicrobial properties, concerns about their biocompatibility , have limited their use, and carbon-based nanomaterials are being greatly explored. , After the accidental discovery of CDs in 2004, these minuscule particles have gained considerable attention because of their superior optical properties, photostability, aqueous solubility, and biocompatibility. ,− CDs are zero-dimensional quantum dots with a size below 10 nm comprising a carbon core and a surface passivation layer.…”

“…In 2023, Kumar et al reviewed the latest advancements in nanotechnology with specific reference to nanoparticles possessing anti-biofilm and antimicrobial properties . They highlighted the antibiofilm efficiency of a range of nanoparticles (metal, metal oxides, liposomes, peptide nanomaterials, nanopolymers). , Additionally, a review written by Dhar and Han in 2020 discussed biofilm formation in wounds and implants. They discussed various strategies (ultrasound, nanotechnology, combined therapy, hydrogels, and modification of implants) employed in biofilm treatment .…”

Advances in the Optimization of Fe Nanoparticles: Unlocking Antifungal Properties for Biomedical Applications

“…Recently, there has been considerable increasing interest in employing Fe NPs because of their unique qualities and use in several industries, including medicine. Their application in antifungal coatings for implants and medical equipment has yielded encouraging outcomes [190]. Patients with implants or other medical devices are at considerable risk of fungal infections, which can result in life-threatening problems and prolonged hospital admissions.…”

Recent Updates on Multifunctional Nanomaterials as Antipathogens in Humans and Livestock: Classification, Application, Mode of Action, and Challenges

“…Most specifically, NMs face challenges in blood contact, including protein adsorption, interference, and nanotoxicity, which can compromise their antimicrobial activity and cause adverse effects [208]. In vitro studies, using cell viability assays can identify NMs potential toxicity and safe concentrations, while in vivo studies evaluate their toxicological effects in complex biological systems using techniques like histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical analysis [209].…”