Taking clues from rock and trash to prevent marine biofouling

Preventing biofouling, the growth of algae, microorganisms and plants on surfaces exposed to marine environments, has been the white whale for material scientists for decades. The strategy has been to invent new surface chemistries and structures with the potential to prevent biofouling and then test in the field. So far, no materials have been discovered, which reliably prevent biofouling for extended periods of time. The solution is still to use toxic paints – a threat for marine ecosystems. Within this project we would like to turn this procedure 180 degrees by taking clues from Nature. When looking closely, one can find natural and manufactured objects in the Baltic which are not fouling. Why is this the case? We will follow this lead and collect rocks and plastic waste in lakes, beaches, offshore and harbors, which are not overgrown. We will then determine their surface properties for inspiration and device new biofouling designs based on what we find. The new designs will be tested for effectiveness. We will make a first attempt at a bottom-up approach a for a breakthrough in non-fouling materials. The experiment may spark a search for non-fouling materials in Nature and may lead to entirely new and green strategies to protect marine assets.