A Test of Sol-Gel Incorporation of Organic Compounds as Translucent, Marine Biofouling-Resistant Windows

Organic compounds, including antimicrobial agents azithromycin and hydrous allicin extracts, were sequestered in a silicate sol-gel matrix to function as a biofouling-resistant window for oceanographic instrumentation. The windows fabricated in this manner resisted the formation of microbial biofilms (the precursor to settlement of larger macro-fouling organisms) for up to a week and maintained low levels of fouling for 3 weeks, whereas bare glass substrates form biofilms within hours of seawater submersion. The technique shows promise for the construction of additional translucent solids and coatings using other environmentally friendly biocides.

Automated summary

Organic compounds, azithromycin and hydrous allicin extracts, were incorporated into a silicate sol-gel matrix to create biofouling-resistant windows for oceanographic instrumentation. These windows showed resistance to microbial biofilm formation for up to a week and maintained low levels of fouling for 3 weeks, while bare glass substrates formed biofilms within hours of exposure to seawater. This technique holds promise for the development of translucent solids and coatings using other environmentally friendly biocides.