Research Progress on Using Modified Hydrogel Coatings as Marine Antifouling Materials

Mar Drugs. 2024 Dec 3;22(12):546. doi: 10.3390/md22120546.

Abstract

The adhesion of marine organisms to marine facilities negatively impacts human productivity. This phenomenon, known as marine fouling, constitutes a serious issue in the marine equipment industry. It increases resistance for ships and their structures, which, in turn, raises fuel consumption and reduces ship speed. To date, numerous antifouling strategies have been researched to combat marine biofouling. However, a multitude of these resources face long-term usability issues due to various limitations, such as low adhesion quality, elevated costs, and inefficacy. Hydrogels, exhibiting properties akin to the slime layer on the skin of many aquatic creatures, possess a low frictional coefficient and a high rate of water absorbency and are extensively utilized in the marine antifouling field. This review discusses the recent progress regarding the application of hydrogels as an important marine antifouling material in recent years. It introduces the structure, properties, and classification of hydrogels; summarizes the current research status of improved hydrogels in detail; and analyzes the improvement in their antifouling properties and the prospects for their application in marine antifouling.

Keywords: hydrogel coating; marine antifouling; marine biofouling; modified hydrogel.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aquatic Organisms*
  • Biofouling* / prevention & control
  • Hydrogels* / chemistry
  • Ships

Substances

  • Hydrogels

Grants and funding

This research was supported by the Guangxi Science and Technology Program (No. AD23026010) and the Project for Enhancing Young and Middle-aged Teacher’s Research Basis Ability in Colleges of Guangxi (No. 2023KY1129).