Combining Topography and Chemistry to Produce Antibiofouling Surfaces: A Review

Despite decades of research on the reduction of surface fouling from biomolecules or micro-organisms, the ultimate antibiofouling surface remains undiscovered. The recent covid-19 pandemic strengthened the crucial need for such treatments. Among the numerous approaches that are able to provide surfaces with antibiofouling properties, chemical, biological, and topographical strategies have been implemented for instance in the marine, medical, or food industries. However, many of these methods have a biocidal effect and, with antibioresistance and biocide resistance a growing threat on humanity, strategies based on reducing adsorption of biomolecules and micro-organism are necessary for long-term solutions. Bioinspired strategies, combining both surface chemistry and topography, are currently at the heart of the best innovative and sustainable solutions. The synergistic effect of micro/nanostructuration, together with engineered chemical or biological functionalization is believed to contribute to the development of antibiofouling surfaces. This review aims to present approaches combining hydrophobic or hydrophilic chemistries with a specific topography to avoid biofouling in various industrial environments and healthcare facilities.

Automated summary

Despite extensive research, the ultimate surface that can effectively prevent biofouling has not yet been discovered. Chemical, biological, and topographical strategies have been implemented in various industries, but long-term solutions require strategies that reduce the adsorption of biomolecules and microorganisms. Bioinspired strategies that combine surface chemistry and topography are believed to be the most innovative and sustainable solutions. This review presents approaches that combine hydrophobic or hydrophilic chemistries with specific topographies to prevent biofouling in different industrial and healthcare environments.